McHenry County Government: Know Your COVID-19 Status Before Gathering During The Holidays

Huntley IL

22 December, 2021

11:56 AM

Description

Press release from the McHenry County Government: 12/21/2021 2:30 PM The McHenry County Department of Health is encouraging residents to get tested for COVID-19 if they plan to gather for the holidays. To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 this holiday season, everyone, regardless of vaccination status or symptoms, is urged to get tested for COVID-19 before gathering and celebrating with others. Testing is an important strategy to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Testing results provide valuable information that individuals can use to make better choices about how to celebrate this holiday season. Anyone testing positive should isolate and inform their healthcare provider, as well as any close contacts. Many locations across McHenry County offer testing, and over-the-counter at-home test kits are also available at participating retailers. "Holiday traditions are important for families, friends and loved ones. With overall case rates remaining high, and hospitalizations increasing, we're encouraging everyone to take steps to make their holiday celebrations safer," said Melissa Adamson, Public Health Administrator for the MCDH. "By taking precautions—staying home when we're sick, knowing our COVID-19 status before we gather and getting vaccinated or boosted against the virus—we can enjoy safer holidays and travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends." All eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Those 16 and older who are fully vaccinated should receive a booster shot as soon as they qualify: 6 months have passed since receiving the second dose of Moderna (18 and older) 6 months have passed since receiving the second dose of Pfizer (16 and older) 2 months have passed since received the Johnson & Johnson dose (18 and older) COVID-19 testing locations are available on the Illinois Department of Public Health's website or on MCDH's Testing webpage.  This press release was produced by the McHenry County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.