CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Illinois’ Public Health Director is offering a bitter pill for the holidays, but it could save lives, she said, as the pandemic finish line is starting to come into sight.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike said the best way to safely enjoy family you don’t live with and see on a daily basis for the upcoming holidays is to do it virtually.
"I’ve heard people talk about how their family is not going to skip Auntie Grace’s mac & cheese or someone’s famous pecan pie, but I would say that you need to, not skip it, but postpone it," she said.
And don’t think getting a COVID test puts you in the clear, Dr. Ezike said.
"Unless you quarantine completely after being tested, you could get infected at any time between that test and you intended visit," she said.
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If you are going to risk it and gather with family you don’t live with, the state’s public health director suggests you limit the number of people you’re gathering with, take into account the amount of space available, keep gatherings shorter rather than longer to reduce the risk of air swapping, and wear a mask, despite being around family.
"Yes, they’re your family. Yes, you want to hug and talk to people without a mask, but that’s exactly how the virus spreads. Would it kill you to wear a mask indoors? No, it won’t, but not wearing one could kill someone," Dr. Ezike said.