The Wolf Administration issued recommendations to help individuals and families stay safe during the 2020 holiday season. Families are encouraged to hold virtual gatherings to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The CDC indicates that small household gatherings are a large contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases, and exposure at these events can follow and spread once the holidays are over. 

The Administration strongly recommends against participating in holiday gatherings with individuals or groups outside of your household, especially for individuals who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 infection, which includes older adults, individuals with certain medical conditions, and any resident of a long-term care facility.

“As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and as we enter flu season, it’s important that we continue to take this virus seriously. That means continuing to wear masks and forego social gatherings, even holiday gatherings, to protect those we love,” said Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller. “There are massive surges of positive COVID-19 cases in the majority of Pennsylvania counties, and protecting those most vulnerable for severe COVID-19 infection is critical. I urge everyone to remember the risks and do what we can to keep each other, our loved ones, and vulnerable people safe this holiday season.”

The departments of Health and Human Services have issued guidance to all long-term care facilities and nursing homes to go over with their residents to make sure they are safe over the holidays. Those who are at increased risk to severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in the same household. For more on this topic, click here.