As we gather for the holidays with friends and family, we are also experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, which is more transmissible than the original virus.

The best way to protect yourself and loved ones is to get vaccinated and boosted. 

The science, data and medical experts all agree: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and should give you peace of mind as you attend holiday gatherings. 

If you aren’t yet vaccinated, please visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to schedule your appointment today. If you are vaccinated but have yet to get boosted, now is a great time to do so.

Here are some other helpful safety tips from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:

 Keep your gatherings small: Avoid mixing with many different families or friend groups. Don’t be afraid to ask about people’s vaccination status and recent risks before attending a holiday party, celebration, or gathering.

 Plan Ahead: If you are attending a holiday gathering, get tested as close to the event as possible. A rapid test, including a self-test, could be used for this purpose. If you get a laboratory PCR test, make sure that the result will be back in time. Since August 2020, my office has been helping to provide free COVID-19 testing behind Echo Park’s Edendale Branch Library - 2044 Reservoir Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026 - Monday through Saturday, from 8am to 4pm.

 Stay away if sick: If you are sick, have symptoms, or have a positive test, stay away from others. Don’t host or attend in-person parties or gatherings. 

 Keep hands clean: Clean hands before and after preparing food. Have hand sanitizer available for guests. Remind kids to not touch their face or eat with unclean hands. Consider having assigned servers to reduce the number of people touching shared serving utensils.

Again, the best way to protect yourself and put us on stronger footing in the New Year is to get vaccinated now.

Be safe and well, 

MITCH O'FARRELL