With the holiday break just around the corner, many students will be packing their bags, and heading home. But unlike most other years, this holiday season students could be bringing home an unwanted surprise, COVID-19.
While there are provincial health guidelines in place to help keep people safe, there are some extra precautions that students are encouraged to take to help keep them safe during their holidays such as:
- If you are leaving London-Middlesex, consider self isolating or reducing your close contacts for a 14 day period.
- Avoid any unnecessary international travel – while vacations south are common at this time of year, students are being encouraged not to leave the country unless they are an international student returning home. Should that be the case, the Government of Canada has all of the required information pertaining to your safety on their website. Fanshawe College’s requirements for returning international travelers can be found on the college’s webpage.
- Avoid contact with family members who have compromised immune systems such as the elderly or those suffering from autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes.
The Ontario government has provided a list of fun holiday traditions and tips that you can use to ensure that you can still enjoy your holiday while staying safe from COVID-19.
- Plan virtual holiday gatherings or events with family, friends or coworkers. Spread holiday cheer, not COVID-19. Make a tasty hot chocolate hack to drink while you’re chatting.
- Build a snowman, go on a sleigh ride with people you live with or try another outdoor activity you can only do while it’s cold. If you live near an Ontario Park, consider exploring the outdoors in the park.
- Visit Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus or their elves outdoors or take photos with fun cardboard cutouts. Remember to maintain 2 metres physical distance from other visitors to Santa’s workshop.
- Consider celebrating the holiday with one other home if you live alone. No need to be singled out this holiday.
- Watch a holiday or winter movie with the people you live with.
- Decorate your doors or put up lights around your home. Take a walk or drive around your neighbourhood to check out other peoples’ decorations. Be a wildlife detective while you’re out and about.
- Light your menorah or kinara with the people you live with. The safest way to celebrate is only with the people who live in your home.
- Bake holiday treats at home. You could even try a new recipe.
- Donate to your favourite holiday charity or toy drive. You can make a difference this holiday.
- Send cards or gifts in the mail and give the gift of good health.
Those looking for more details on COVID-19 in their area can find them here.
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