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News release
Dec. 22, 2022

Tips from Ontario’s doctors for celebrating the holidays safely

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2022--Ontario’s doctors wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Friends, families and colleagues traditionally gather at this time of year and spend more time indoors, in close contact. This is the first holiday season since mandatory COVID-19 public health measures have been lifted, yet COVID is still circulating widely in Ontario along with the flu and RSV.

To help keep yourself, your family and your community well, the Ontario Medical Association has five tips:

  1. Get your flu shot and all of your COVID-19 boosters.
  2. Wear a mask in indoor public spaces such as stores and public transit and when around the elderly and people with health issues or other vulnerabilities.
  3. Wash your hands frequently as well as surfaces you touch often such as counters or desks.
  4. Monitor yourself daily for symptoms of COVID, the flu and RSV in children and stay home or keep your children home if you are sick.
  5. Be kind to yourself and others. The holidays can be a stressful time and it’s as important to care for your mental health as your physical health.

“We know that people are eager to spend time with friends and family again after more than two years of pandemic restrictions, but we urge everyone to think about where they will be and who will be there,” said OMA President Dr. Rose Zacharias. “Take precautions that will protect the most vulnerable people you will be with. We all have a part to play in keeping our communities safe and not putting extra pressure on the health-care system.”

Access the video clip for broadcasters of OMA President Dr. Rose Zacharias on celebrating the holidays safely.

About the OMA

The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario’s 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario’s health-care system.

For more information, please contact:
Emily English, Sr. Advisor, Media Relations
media@oma.org

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