Families who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should feel safe during holiday gatherings, the government’s top infectious diseases expert says.
Dr. Anthiny Fauci spoke during an event from the Bipartisan Policy Center on Monday and gave some guidance for family gatherings ahead of Thanksgiving.
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“If you get vaccinated and your family’s vaccinated, you can feel good about enjoying a typical Thanksgiving, Christmas with your family and close friends,” said Fauci, who is also the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
He said with about 70,000 new COVID-19 cases per day being reported in the U.S., he recommends people wear masks in indoor settings with large congregations.
“But when you’re with your family at home, goodness, enjoy it with your parents, your children, your grandparents. There’s no reason not to do that,” he said.
He added that the pandemic will end one day but how quickly the country gets there “depends on us.”
About 60 million Americans 12 years or older who are eligible for a vaccine have not been inoculated, he said. About 75-80% of adults have received at least one dose, he said.
Fauci said some parts of the United States are seeing an uptick in daily COVID-19 cases. In San Antonio, the risk level remains “low” and “steady.”
The seven-day moving average of COVID-19 cases is 210.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that outdoor gatherings are safer than indoors. The CDC also recommends gathering in well-ventilated areas.
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