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Spend time this winter season to take care of yourself, have some chill days at home and start a new tradition. That’s what LMH Health infectious disease doctor Christopher Penn recommends.

As the weather turns colder and families and friends consider how they might celebrate the winter holidays, Penn and Sonia Jordan, informatics director for Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, spoke to the Journal-World about how to navigate the intersection of winter gatherings and COVID-19.

The winter season will likely make the COVID-19 pandemic worse, Penn and Jordan agreed. Jordan said that people who have been enjoying socializing outdoors may want to continue socializing, but not in the cold weather. That could lead to indoor gatherings in poorly ventilated rooms, which could lead to increased transmission. In addition to more indoor gatherings, Penn said he also expects the virus to worsen in the coming months in alignment with the common cold and influenza season. He also expects travel will increase.

If traveling is a necessity, Penn and Jordan recommended driving over flying. Jordan recommended driving because one can limit exposure to a specific group of people, and rest stops can typically be made in less than 10 minutes. Penn also said driving might be the better option because of the “throngs” of people one could come in contact with in the process of getting on a plane.

For those traveling by plane, Penn and Jordan stressed the importance of wearing a mask, trying to maintain at least 6 feet of social distance and maintaining proper hand washing hygiene. Most importantly, if someone feels sick, that person should not be traveling.

In the event of an indoor gathering, Penn and Jordan offered some tips on how to limit risk factors. Jordan said COVID-19 transmission risk increases with intensity, duration and frequency. Instead of having a 14-hour event, maybe shorten it to just one meal or a shorter period of time. Pare down your guest list to just a handful of people. And instead of being in a small room where everyone is yelling, try to spread out, wear masks and keep a window open.

Penn echoed Jordan’s comments. He added that when inviting attendees to a gathering, consider what their behavior has been, and continue to monitor their behavior once they arrive.

“If you feel unsafe, take care of yourself and take appropriate action,” he said.

For winter gatherings, there quite literally could be too many cooks in the kitchen. Penn said people tend to end up in the kitchen during gatherings, and that with the heat, people might get uncomfortable in masks. To practice social distancing, Jordan recommended having multiple places where people can sit to eat a meal, instead of one big table. And if possible, plan gatherings in a space with lots of room to spread out.

If there is a particular family member or a friend who is at high risk for COVID-19, Penn and Jordan noted that it “may not be worth the risk” for that person to join a gathering.

“It’s about others. It’s about protecting others and keeping others safe … and that’s what I think people are going to have to balance and think about when making decisions over the holidays,” Jordan said.

Penn suggested that people explore ways to visit with family members and friends virtually. He also said it’s important to consider who else will be affected if someone has to quarantine for 14 days. Personally, Penn said he thinks of the people who depend on him.

“(Honor) those around you by taking care of yourself,” Penn said.