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Define a “Christmas party” and celebrate with just this – and with masks, advises the Minister of Health. Residents of nursing homes and nursing homes should not be brought home.
Health Minister Rudi Anschober (Greens) again called Christmas parties only in the closest circle on Tuesday. Meetings of up to ten people are possible on December 24 and 25. “Even if this sounds attractive, we still ask that you reduce your Christmas party to the required number of people,” Anschober said. He advised tests both in advance and during the celebrations themselves on protective masks, distance, hygiene and indoor ventilation.
Many federal states offer the opportunity to get tested for Covid-19 free of charge in the days leading up to Christmas. “Take advantage of this opportunity in any case before visiting their families at Christmas and thus minimize the risk of unconsciously infecting loved ones,” Anschober advised in a broadcast. These offers were in high demand lately and in Vienna they were already full before the Christmas holidays.
Yes to rapid tests, no to “take it home”
In any case, the selected pharmacies still offer the possibility of rapid tests. These are paid, but in addition to a result you also get a clear conscience so as not to endanger your loved ones if you visit them at Christmas, ”explains Anschober. Especially when visiting grandparents or meeting members of high-risk groups, this year special attention should be paid to making them as sensible as possible.
In addition to pharmacies, there are also several private providers of rapid tests in Austria. An Austrian start-up, for example, offers containerized mobile rapid tests in Vienna, which cost € 29 or € 39, depending on location.
“Therefore, do not pick up family members to spend Christmas together at home. Remember that a single infection that you bring with you to a nursing home or retirement home can have devastating effects on all residents, but also on staff.” the minister warned.
Try “possibly start new traditions”
“Try to define a group during Christmas days with which you will celebrate your Christmas and avoid switching between different groups,” advises Anschober. “This can definitely help prevent any infection from spreading to large numbers of people.” Celebrations should be as short as possible. “Take advantage of technical progress and allow yourself to go to other Christmas parties, for example by phone or videoconference,” is another recommendation from the Ministry of Health.
“To avoid large gatherings, you can try to start new traditions this year and organize larger gatherings or gatherings between children and grandparents or members of high-risk groups more carefully,” Anschober recommended. “For example, a Christmas walk in the park or a hot tea in the garden with enough distance from each other are ideal.” He wished “a Merry Christmas even during the pandemic, in the smallest of circles and with consideration for one another,” the minister told the population.
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