Dec. 24, 2020

This holiday season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s best to make merry from afar, as difficult as that may be. Although hope is on the horizon, with the current surge in cases across California and the U.S., it’s important to remain vigilant about your safety or that of others.

We’ve learned since March that masking, physical distancing and handwashing are our best defenses against the spread of this virus. If you must come in contact with others who do not live in your household, here are helpful tips from Dr. William Isenberg, Sutter Health’s chief quality and safety officer, on when you should wear a mask.

Handy Guide to Masking Indoors & Outdoors

When Alone:

• If you’re indoors alone or with the people you live with, no need to mask.
• If you’re outdoors alone, such as taking a walk, keep a mask around your neck just in case. If you cross paths with anyone, you’ll want to quickly pull it up over your mouth and nose.

With a Friend:

• Take it outside! Wear your masks, and make sure you’re 6 feet apart.
• If you’re close enough to stretch out your arms and have your fingertips touch, that’s too close.

In Other Situations:

• Without masks, or standing closer than 6 feet apart, we boost the risk to ourselves and each other.
• Celebrate with the people you love—safely, outside, wearing masks, six feet apart.

“When in doubt, mask up!” Dr. Isenberg says.