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What Are The CDC Recommendations For Hosting Gatherings During The COVID-19 Pandemic?

Asked by: Nelson Heller
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Large gatherings bring together many people from multiple households in a private or public space. Large gatherings are often planned events with a large number of guests and invitations. They sometimes involve lodging, event staff, security, tickets, and long-distance travel.

Can getting COVID-19 lead to serious complications?

Although most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms, the disease can cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. Older adults or people with existing chronic medical conditions are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 .

Is it safe for people with high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 to care for a COVID-19 patient?

The caregiver, when possible, should not be someone who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Are people with serious underlying chronic medical conditions at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?

All people with serious underlying chronic medical conditions like chronic lung disease, a serious heart condition, or a weakened immune system seem to be more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

Who are some groups at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19?

Some people may be at higher risk of severe illness. This includes older adults (65 years and older) and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions. By using strategies that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, you will help protect all employees, including those at higher risk.

What are some symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

Can COVID-19 damage organs?

UCLA researchers are the first to create a version of COVID-19 in mice that shows how the disease damages organs other than the lungs. Using their model, the scientists discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can shut down energy production in cells of the heart, kidneys, spleen and other organs.

What are some long term effects of COVID-19?

These effects can include severe weakness, problems with thinking and judgment, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD involves long-term reactions to a very stressful event.

How many guests can safely attend a conference, concert, or other community event during the COVID-19 pandemic?

CDC does not provide specific numbers, including maximum or minimum numbers, of attendees for events and gatherings. Event organizers should work with local public health officials and follow applicable local laws and regulations, including those related to privacy, to determine the prevention strategies needed in their area. Event organizers should also monitor levels of community transmission (low, moderate, substantial, or high) and local COVID-19 vaccination coverage.

What are the guidelines for serving food at events during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Avoid offering any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, salad bars, and drink stations. Consider having pre-packaged boxes or bags for each attendee.

Can I start a new relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic?

For those people who would like to start a new relationship, that should be considered carefully. All of us should be practicing social distancing at this time due to the pandemic, and dating does not comply with recommendations for social distancing. While this time is challenging, social distancing is of the utmost importance to keep you and your loved ones safe.

What are the recommendations for multi-generational households to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you can’t wash with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Limit trips out of the house. If you must leave the household, wear a mask, and stay at least 6 feet, or about 2 arm lengths, away from others. This is called social distancing.

Note: Masks should not be placed on children younger than 2 years old, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, or anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

• Avoid having visitors (anyone who does not live with you) inside your household. This may be difficult given most communities are close knit and people visit each other often, but it helps reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. If people must visit, visitors should wear masks and stay outside, if possible, while keeping at least 6 feet distance.

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Is it safe to hang out with friends during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Spending more than 15 minutes within 6 feet of another person increases your risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 — especially if that person is being less cautious than you are.

Can traveling to visit family or friends increase my chances of getting and spreading COVID-19?

Yes. CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated, because travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s Domestic Travel or International Travel recommendations for unvaccinated people.

Can COVID-19 damage the heart?

Coronavirus can also damage the heart directly, which can be especially risky if your heart is already weakened by the effects of high blood pressure. The virus may cause inflammation of the heart muscle called myocarditis, which makes it harder for the heart to pump.

What are symptoms of COVID-19 affecting the lungs?

Some people may feel short of breath. People with chronic heart, lung, and blood diseases may be at risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and acute respiratory failure.

How does the coronavirus affect our body?

Coronavirus enters the body through the nose, mouth or eyes. Once inside the body, it goes inside healthy cells and uses the machinery in those cells to make more virus particles. When the cell is full of viruses, it breaks open. This causes the cell to die and the virus particles can go on to infect more cells.

How long can symptoms of COVID-19 last?

COVID-19 comes with a pretty long list of symptoms — the most common being fever, dry cough and shortness of breath.

Both the severity and duration of these symptoms vary from person to person, but some symptoms are more likely to last well into your recovery period.

How long does it take for COVID-19 symptoms to start showing?

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. If you have fever, cough, or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19.

What are some uncommon symptoms of COVID-19?

Research has shown that younger people with less severe COVID-19 symptoms may develop painful, itchy sores or bumps on their hands and feet. Another weird symptom of the skin is “COVID-19 toes.” Some people have experienced red and purple colored toes that swell and burn.

Which age groups are at higher risk for COVID-19?

Sample interpretation: Compared with 18- to 29-year-olds, the rate of death is four times higher in 30- to 39-year-olds, and 600 times higher in those who are 85 years and older.

What are some heart conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19?

Heart conditions, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and pulmonary hypertension, put people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. People with hypertension may be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and should continue to take their medications as prescribed.

Which group of children at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

Similar to adults, children with obesity, diabetes, asthma or chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease, or immunosuppression can also be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

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