(Bethesda, MD, Thursday, December 10, 2020) – Despite extensive public warnings, clear signs of another dangerous spike in pandemic cases are emerging in the wake of Thanksgiving celebrations across the country. That’s why the Public Health Communications Collaborative is urging all Americans to take precautions now to help our country get back to normal more quickly—for families and the economy.

Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, president and chief executive officer of the de Beaumont Foundation, a founding partner of the Public Health Communications Collaborative, shares his thoughts heading into the next round of holiday celebrations.

SOUNDBITE #1:

IF WE WANT TO ELIMINATE THE VIRUS, WE NEED TO PLAY DEFENSE. THAT MEANS TAKING SIMPLE STEPS LIKE WEARING A MASK, PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND WASHING OUR HANDS REGULARLY. DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON, IT’S PARTICULARY IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES – BECAUSE TAKING THE RIGHT STEPS NOW CAN MEAN YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES WILL HAVE MANY MORE HOLIDAYS TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE.

SOUNDBITE #2:

COVID-NINETEEN IS EXTREMELY INFECTIOUS. EVEN ONE INFECTION CAN LEAD TO AN OUTBREAK THAT CAN SHUT DOWN A COMMUNITY. THE SCIENCE IS CLEAR, LIMITING YOUR EXPOSURE TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTAIN THE VIRUS. IF YOU DO SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE YOU DON’T LIVE WITH, KEEP GROUPS SMALL, WEAR FACE MASKS, WASH YOUR HANDS REGULARLY, AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING. THERE ARE TIPS ABOUT HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING TRAVEL AT PUBLIC HEALTH COLLABORATIVE DOT ORG.

For more information about how to stay safe while celebrating, go to PublicHealthCollaborative.org.