For a brief moment, it seemed we could finally exhale, perhaps due to our improved understanding of COVID-19, the rollout of vaccines for children ages 5-11, or simply declining case numbers in various regions. Although the pandemic was not over, life appeared to be inching back toward normalcy, prompting many of us to start planning for the future—and the holidays.
And then, omicron arrived.
Before we even finished our Thanksgiving feasts, which we enjoyed with loved ones, a new, highly contagious variant emerged. Suddenly, our holiday plans were shrouded in uncertainty once again, filled with questions about omicron’s severity and its potential to bypass vaccines. With the variant spreading across the U.S. and worldwide, we began to wonder: Is it still safe to proceed with our holiday gatherings and travel plans?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a straightforward “yes” or “no.” It hinges on various factors, including your destination, who you’ll meet, and other considerations. Here’s what we’ve learned.
Should Omicron Prompt Us to Cancel Travel Plans?
Since the onset of COVID-19, travel has been complicated by testing requirements, cancellations, and frustrated travelers. Add the holiday rush to the mix, and this year promises to be particularly challenging. Now, with omicron in circulation, we must reassess whether we should travel at all.
Dr. Sarah Jensen, a travel health expert at the Wellness Travel Center, suggests that canceling trips may not be necessary just yet. While that’s reassuring to hear, the situation is not as clear-cut as it may seem. In a discussion with NPR, she emphasized the importance of evaluating personal risk and practical considerations related to your destination.
Such considerations include heightened testing requirements due to omicron, local infection rates, and the health profiles of those you plan to visit. Celine Miller, a travel risk analyst at the University of Colorado, took a more cautious stance in a conversation with The New York Times. She urged travelers to envision potential negative outcomes—like flight cancellations, positive COVID tests, and extended quarantines—and prepare contingency plans accordingly. Many individuals may find themselves less inclined to travel under these circumstances.
If you decide to proceed with travel, measures such as vaccination (and boosters), wearing masks, and testing can enhance safety.
Are Holiday Gatherings Safe?
After missing out on holiday gatherings last year, many of us are eager to reunite with family and friends. Experts agree that these gatherings can be held safely, provided we implement additional precautions. “We need to add more layers of protection,” said Dr. Emily Roberts, chair of the public health committee at the National Infectious Diseases Society, during a recent briefing.
The first layer is vaccination. Dr. Tom Lee stated that if everyone attending is vaccinated (and boosted), the answer to whether we can gather for the holidays is a resounding “yes.” However, if there are unvaccinated individuals in the mix—whether due to age or choice—getting together is still feasible. In that case, testing, masking, and ensuring good ventilation can help mitigate risks.
That said, if someone in your household is at high risk, it may be wise to forgo large gatherings. “This might not be the ideal time for a big get-together, as vaccines don’t completely eliminate transmission; they merely reduce the risk,” cautioned Dr. Rachel Kim, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford University.
While canceling is certainly safer than proceeding, it also comes with its emotional toll. After two years of cancellations, making the decision to cancel again weighs heavily on many. This choice will vary among individuals and may shift as we approach the holidays and learn more about omicron. The recent news that omicron may lead to milder infections is promising, but we still need more data before we can fully celebrate.
The good news is that this isn’t our first holiday season during a pandemic. We have vaccines, boosters, and effective strategies to minimize risks. By utilizing available resources, heeding expert advice, and remaining flexible in our plans, we may still enjoy the holiday season we envisioned.
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Summary:
As the omicron variant introduces new uncertainties into our holiday plans, careful consideration is essential. Experts suggest evaluating your travel and gathering plans based on personal risk and safety measures. Vaccination, masking, and testing can help create safer environments for holiday celebrations. Ultimately, flexibility and informed decision-making will be key to navigating this holiday season.
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