The Peoria area dodged a post-Thanksgiving surge in COVID-19 cases, mainly thanks to people following guidance to avoid large holiday gatherings with extended family.
Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator Monica Hendrickson says the same guidance applies now.
"With Hannukah ending on Dec. 18, we now transition to Christmas on the 25th, and Kwanzaa begins on the 26th. And then we enter straight into the new year," she said. "So a lot of the guidance we shared around Thanksgiving, we want to make sure our community is continuing that practice."
That includes the recommendation to only celebrate the holidays in-person with members of your immediate household. Hendrickson said celebrations with extended family and friends should happen virtually.
"It's important that if you celebrate, celebrate in new ways. Look at virtual holidays and gatherings. Again, wear a face mask, as well as practice good hand hygiene, and if you haven't already done so, get your flu vaccine," she said. "And if you haven't already done so, and if you're eligible, get your COVID vaccine."
The first waves of COVID-19 vaccines are available to frontline health care workers. Long-term care residents should begin receiving their first doses next week.
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