Our region is experiencing a large surge of COVID cases and we know that the omicron variant is spreading at a rapid rate. Given these factors, it’s a safe bet that this highly transmissible variant will be passed around at New Year’s Eve gatherings if we’re not careful.

How can we safely celebrate New Year’s Eve? Chethra Muthiah, MD, Infectious Disease physician at NorthShore, has these recommendations:

• The best way to stay safe and keep family and friends from getting sick is to get fully vaccinated and get your booster, if eligible
• Avoid large gatherings this New Year’s Eve
• Those who are fully vaccinated and boosted can gather at home with a small number of family and/or friends.
• For an additional layer of protection, consider using a home rapid antigen test, prior to these gatherings
• Wear a mask in public indoor settings
• Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated
• Test if you have symptoms to prevent spreading virus to others.
• For more information, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html