[College Hill Topeka] Fwd: Media Release: Shawnee County Health Department Encourages Safe Holiday Celebrations Amidst COVID-19 Increases

[Katrina Shaw]

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rachelle Vega-Retana <rvretana at topeka.org>
Date: Tue, Dec 21, 2021 at 2:33 PM
Subject: Media Release: Shawnee County Health Department Encourages Safe
Holiday Celebrations Amidst COVID-19 Increases
To:


*Topeka, Kan.* – Health officials understand that holiday traditions are
important for families and children. The Shawnee County Health Department
and health officials across Kansas are encouraging individuals to protect
themselves and their families amidst increases in COVID-19 cases and the
emergence of the Omicron variant in several communities.

There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health.



In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC)
<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html>
recommends
taking the following precautions:

   - *Get vaccinated and boosted*. Vaccines remain the best tool to protect
   people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new
   variants emerging. The three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly
   effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death and
   scientists expect they will also prevent serious illness, hospitalizations
   and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines
   are now authorized for people ages 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots
   are authorized for people ages 16 and over.
   - *Get tested*. Even if someone is not showing symptoms, they can still
   spread the virus. Protect your loved ones by getting tested for COVID-19
   before spending the holidays with friends and family.
   - *Wear a mask*. It is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask
   over your nose and mouth in public indoor settings, even if you are fully
   vaccinated. If you or someone you are celebrating with has a weakened
   immune system, is at an increased risk for severe disease or is
   unvaccinated, wear a mask while gathering as an added precaution.
   - *Take travel precautions*. It is recommended to delay travel until you
   are fully vaccinated. Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, it is
   important to know the travel recommendations and restrictions before your
   trip. For information about domestic and international travel guidance for
   fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, visit the CDC’s Travel
   page <https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html>.



*Shawnee County Health Department is committed to working in partnership
with our community to promote and protect the optimal health of all people
by bridging gaps to eliminate health inequities, respecting the diversity
of our community, through adaptive and innovative processes.*



*Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube*

[image: Logo_Color_Transparent(3x2.5)]*Craig
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/2600+SW+East+Circle+Drive+%0D%0A+Topeka,+KS+66606?entry=gmail&source=g>
Barnes*

Division Manager

Community Health Outreach and
Planning

Shawnee County Health Department

2600 SW East Circle Drive
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/2600+SW+East+Circle+Drive+%0D%0A+Topeka,+KS+66606?entry=gmail&source=g>

Topeka, KS 66606
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/2600+SW+East+Circle+Drive+%0D%0A+Topeka,+KS+66606?entry=gmail&source=g>

http://www.shawneehealth.org/

785.251.5612 office

785.806.6310 cell

785.251.5696 fax





Rachelle Vega-Retana, Grants Administrator

City of Topeka, Dept. of Planning & Development

Division of Housing Services

620 SE Madison St
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/620+SE+Madison+St?entry=gmail&source=g>.
1st Floor – Unit 8

Topeka, Ks. 66607

Phone: (785) 368-4490

Fax:      (785) 368-2546

Email:    rvretana at topeka.org



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