Let's talk about #COVID19 and how you stay safe over the holidays and the coming months:

You likely already know the next few weeks are going to be ugly. Our numbers going into the winter are disastrous, and will only get worse in the coming weeks. A lot worse. Way worse.

I've said this since the spring - the virus can't infect you if the virus doesn't find you.

So given that there's virus everywhere, what can you do? I assume you already know to wear a mask, wash your hands, keep your distance. But what else?

If you don't need to travel, don't. It's that simple. Yes, we all want to see our family. And we will. There IS an end in sight.

Even with proper protocols and masks and everything else you can do, there is just so much virus circulating that air travel is risky. Unfortunately, not everyone will follow the rules. Sorry, it just isn't safe. I certainly wouldn't do it right now. https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/COVID-Hawaii-test-SFO-couple-positive-15769548.php

Maybe you're thinking of driving to friends/family, minimizing stops along the way? Way safer, right?

Not necessarily. Even if everyone gets tested before you go and unless you're going to spend your whole visit outdoors, there's still substantial risk. Again, too much virus.

Regardless of where you are in the coming months, if you have to be inside with others, make sure the space is well ventilated - so open the windows if you can. And of course, wear a mask and keep your distance.

Does that mean you can go to bars and restaurants?

Personally, I wouldn't. Even here in NYC where the amount of virus is lower than much of the US, I won't eat indoors.

DEFINITELY support your local restaurants - but keep it outside, or take it home. Again, we are months away from being able to do this more safely.

And bars?

Same. If indoors, no way. I mean, no.

(wouldn't it be great if we had a government that helped support these businesses?)

Needless to say, there are things we just NEED to do! Get groceries, pick up medications, etc.

If and when possible, try to condense trips and limit the amount/time of exposure. Wear a mask. As little time indoors as possible. You know the drill.

Look, I know this is hard & you're sick of hearing this. We want to see family. We want to eat out, get a drink with friends. We want to be 'normal'.

We've been dealing with this for what feels like forever. But unlike earlier in the pandemic we now know there's an end in sight!

Yes, we will need to endure a little longer.

Yes, we can do it.

We need to. Our actions over the coming weeks will have a profound impact on the trajectory of the pandemic in the period BEFORE we can get enough people vaccinated.

BUT if we don't do these things - if we give up now - our surge will be bigger, more will get sick, more will be hospitalized, and more will die.

Hospitals across the country are reaching capacity.

Providers are in short supply, and running on fumes. We have little reserve.

And we need your support.

Please do the boring but essential things we know will keep you - and by extension, us - safe.

Wear a mask. Keep your distance. Limit your time indoors. Quarantine if exposed, and get tested if you're worried you might be infected.

We need everyone, working together.

And we'll get through this.

Promise.

(and that's when I'll cash in on all those people who've offered to buy me a drink !)