This Thanksgiving may feel more normal than last year – with COVID-19 vaccines, booster shots and rapid tests more readily available – but it’s not time to throw out health precautions just yet.
“The virus and its variants are still out there, and the world is still in pandemic mode,” said Dr. Richard Vinroot, company Vice President and Medical Director. “It’s important to consider everything from vaccination levels and the health of extended family members to comfort levels about travel and indoor gatherings when you are making plans for your Thanksgiving gathering. What’s right for one family may not be right for another group, so be honest about expectations. For those who will be traveling and gathering in groups, vaccinations – and booster shots if applicable – are the best protection.”
While more resources are available to fight COVID-19, it’s important to remain vigilant to protect others, especially vulnerable family members and friends, he added.
Use these resources to minimize the risk of COVID-19 and reduce stress this holiday season while still staying connected with family and friends:
- Get the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on safe holiday gatherings. A key takeaway is outdoor gatherings are still safer than indoor gatherings.
- Read about how a group of public health experts – those on the pandemic’s front line – are observing the holidays in a story from the health newsletter STAT.
- Focus on gratitude – and learn about its health benefits – with the Grateful for Gratitude This Holiday Season guide from GuidanceResources, the company’s Employee Assistance Program provider.
- Take extra steps to create a peaceful and stress-free holiday season with information from GuidanceResources on Keeping the Holidays Healthy and Happy, How Can I Make Exercise Work for Me? and Preventing the Holiday Blues.
If stress turns into anxiety or depression, use these additional resources to get help:
- GuidanceResources has online information to help with anxiety and depression as well as 24/7 counselors. Call 1-833-962-0716 or go online to guidanceresources.com and use the company code Freeport-McMoRan for confidential assistance. You also can download the app GuidanceNow from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- If you or a loved one are in crisis, call the 24/7 toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). All calls are confidential. Learn more about available help and suicide prevention at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.