{"id":355499,"date":"2025-11-07T12:07:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=355499"},"modified":"2025-11-07T12:07:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:07:15","slug":"how-to-prep-your-home-for-the-holidays-during-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/homeowners\/how-to-prep-your-home-for-the-holidays-during-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Prep Your Home For The Holidays During COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Holiday gatherings look different in 2025, but they can be both joyful and safer with today\u2019s symptom-based guidance and layered protections. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC\u2019s Respiratory Virus Guidance<\/a> recommends a simple approach: stay home when you\u2019re sick, return once symptoms are improving and you\u2019ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication, then add precautions (masking, cleaner indoor air, hand hygiene) for several days. These steps apply broadly to COVID-19, flu, and RSV, and can be scaled based on your guests\u2019 risks and local conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you\u2019re reducing respiratory virus risk, use current tools: keep rapid antigen tests on hand and repeat a negative home test after 48 hours if illness is still suspected (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests\">FDA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC testing<\/a>). If someone at higher risk tests positive, some antivirals must start within 5 days of symptom onset\u2014contact a clinician promptly (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov\">NIH COVID\u201119 Treatment Guidelines<\/a>). Stay up to date on vaccination: CDC recommends a 2024\u20132025 COVID\u201119 vaccine for everyone \u22656 months, aligned to the JN.1 lineage; updated vaccines have reduced COVID\u201119\u2013associated hospitalization risk by about half in recent U.S. evaluations (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC: Stay Up to Date<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC: Vaccine Effectiveness<\/a>). COVID\u201119 vaccine can be given at the same visit as seasonal flu and, if eligible, RSV vaccines (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC guidance<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As always, we recommend making sure <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/homeowners\/best\/\">your home is covered by homeowner\u2019s insurance <\/a>in the event something unexpected, like a fire in the fireplace or from a candle, interrupts the festivities. In 2025, review deductibles and endorsements that commonly affect holiday-season claims\u2014water\/ sewer backup endorsements, roof settlement terms (replacement cost vs. ACV), and separate named\u2011storm or wind\/hail deductibles. See consumer guidance from the <a href=\"https:\/\/content.naic.org\">NAIC<\/a> and what a standard policy typically covers\/excludes from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iii.org\/article\/what-is-covered-by-a-standard-homeowners-policy\">Insurance Information Institute<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this article:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#one\">Holiday Celebration Red Flags <\/a> <\/li><li><a href=\"#two\">How Are Your Guests Arriving?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#three\">Having Tough Conversations&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#four\">So Your Guests Have Arrived &#8211; What\u2019s The Best Way To Keep Them Safe?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#five\">Don\u2019t Just Protect Your Guests &#8211; Protect Your House!&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#six\">After the Party Ends<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"one\"><strong>Holiday Celebration Red Flags<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: <\/em><\/strong><em>It\u2019s reasonable to set clear health expectations for holiday events. Ask people who are ill to stay home until they meet return criteria, and encourage several days of added precautions after illness per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC\u2019s Respiratory Virus Guidance<\/a>. If someone can\u2019t attend in person, offer a hybrid option like a short video toast or livestream (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/explore.zoom.us\">Zoom Events<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\">Google Meet \u2192 YouTube livestream<\/a>, or a casual <a href=\"https:\/\/support.discord.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/1500005260001-Activities-on-Discord\">Discord<\/a> room) so everyone can participate.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before opening your doors to guests this season, use these evidence-based questions to guide safer plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past but has not yet met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC<\/a>, resume normal activities when both are true: overall symptoms are improving and you have been fever\u2011free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. For the next 5 days, add precautions: wear a high\u2011quality mask around others, improve indoor air (ventilation\/filtration), practice hand hygiene, and consider testing before seeing people at higher risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>It has been ten days since your symptoms first appeared<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li><li>You haven\u2019t had a fever for that past 24 hours, and haven\u2019t taken fever-reducing medications&nbsp;<\/li><li>Any other signs of COVID-19 that you experienced are improving (not including loss of taste or smell, which can linger for weeks)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does anyone in your family have symptoms of COVID-19? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If so, they should stay home until symptoms are improving and they\u2019re fever\u2011free for 24 hours without medication, then take added precautions for 5 days. Test promptly if COVID\u201119 is suspected; if the first at\u2011home antigen test is negative but symptoms persist, repeat another antigen test after 48 hours or obtain a NAAT\/PCR (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC testing guidance<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests\">FDA serial testing<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\\tCommon symptoms of respiratory viruses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Congestion or runny nose<\/li><li>Cough<\/li><li>Diarrhea<\/li><li>Fatigue<\/li><li>Fever or chills<\/li><li>Headache<\/li><li>Muscle or body aches<\/li><li>Nausea or vomiting<\/li><li>New loss of taste or smell<\/li><li>Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing<\/li><li>Sore throat<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are any attendees waiting for COVID-19 viral test results?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p> If so, it\u2019s safer to delay rather than risk exposing others\u2014especially if symptoms are present or higher\u2011risk guests will attend. At\u2011home antigen results are rapid, but a single negative isn\u2019t definitive early on; repeat an antigen test after 48 hours if illness is still suspected and check the FDA\u2019s page for any test shelf\u2011life extensions (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC testing<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests\">FDA<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Result timing varies by test type and setting. Use an FDA\u2011authorized test and follow manufacturer instructions; plan for serial testing if symptoms persist (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests\">FDA<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Have any of your attendees potentially been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No routine quarantine is recommended in most community settings. Instead, take added precautions for 10 days after the last exposure and test at least 5 full days after exposure\u2014or sooner if symptoms develop (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are any of your attendees at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\\t<\/strong>Older adults, people with certain chronic conditions, and those who are immunocompromised face higher risks. Encourage them to be up to date on the 2024\u20132025 COVID\u201119 vaccine, consider added layers (e.g., high\u2011filtration masks) in crowded indoor spaces, and have a plan for rapid testing and prompt treatment\u2014some antivirals must start within 5 days (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC vaccines<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov\">NIH treatment guidance<\/a>). COVID\u201119 vaccination may be co\u2011administered with seasonal flu and, if eligible, RSV vaccines (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re planning a holiday party, focus on clean indoor air rather than fixed distances. A practical target is ~5 or more air changes per hour of clean air (eACH) using ventilation, higher\u2011efficiency HVAC filters (MERV\u201113+ where compatible), and portable HEPA units; DIY air cleaners can help when properly constructed. Use simple checks like CO\u2082 during occupancy\u2014aim to keep levels as low as practical (commonly below ~800\u20131,000 ppm) to gauge ventilation effectiveness (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC\/NIOSH ventilation<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE Standard 241<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\">EPA Clean Air in Buildings Challenge<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"two\">How Are Your Guests Arriving?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Airports, train stations, and buses are often crowded during peak travel windows. Consider wearing a well\u2011fitting mask in transport hubs and on board\u2014especially if you\u2019ll see higher\u2011risk loved ones soon after travel\u2014and keep a couple of rapid tests handy (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC<\/a>). AAA projects very busy holiday travel with extended windows that spread departures beyond peak days; using off\u2011peak times can reduce congestion and stress (<a href=\"https:\/\/newsroom.aaa.com\">AAA Newsroom<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If many family members are traveling, consider a central location so more can drive. Before visiting older or medically vulnerable relatives, consider testing, improve ventilation where you\u2019ll gather, and add precautions for a few days after any recent illness (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC testing<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC ventilation<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"three\">Having Tough Conversations&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People weigh risks differently. Ground the discussion in shared goals: including high\u2011risk relatives, minimizing disruptions, and keeping the event low\u2011stress. Offer hybrid participation that\u2019s easy to join\u2014e.g., a Zoom Events stream (<a href=\"https:\/\/explore.zoom.us\">Zoom Events<\/a>), a Google Meet with a YouTube livestream for watch\u2011only guests (<a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\">Google<\/a>), or a casual Discord after\u2011party with Activities (<a href=\"https:\/\/support.discord.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/1500005260001-Activities-on-Discord\">Discord<\/a>). Point to consensus guidance from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019\/advice-for-public\">WHO<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While everyone has a right to their opinion, make decisions that fit your household. If conflict occurs with a guest who thinks you\u2019re too cautious, take a calm approach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Have a conversation about the subject, rather than reprimanding or lecturing<\/li><li>Listen to their opinion with an open mind and without judgment<\/li><li>Be empathic<\/li><li>Quote sources and statistics, offering websites or articles you read<\/li><li>Ask questions and answer with compassion.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The pandemic has been tough on everyone, and playing the blame game will only create further divisions between you and your loved ones. After all, it\u2019s not your job to change the minds of everyone you know; it\u2019s only to ensure the Holiday gathering is as safe as possible. Here are some examples of questions you might run into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table table table-striped table-bordered table--bordered-top\"><table class=\"\"><tbody><tr><td><br><strong>Tough Questions<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Diplomatic (but firm) Answers<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Keep In Mind:<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>I\u2019m young, and COVID-19 isn\u2019t going to affect me &#8211; why do we have to follow all of these rules?<\/td><td>I understand how you feel (name), but this isn\u2019t just about you and me\u2014some guests are higher risk. Let\u2019s use a few easy layers so everyone can relax: stay home if sick, cleaner indoor air (~5 eACH via ventilation\/HEPA), and optional high\u2011quality masks in crowded rooms (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC\/NIOSH<\/a>).<\/td><td>Lead with shared goals and simple steps rather than lots of numbers. Point to practical guidance if helpful (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC<\/a>).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>X media source said that worries about the coronavirus are over-blown &#8211; why do I have to follow your rules?<\/td><td>Different outlets say different things, but major public health agencies agree on a common approach: stay home when sick, return when improving and fever\u2011free, then add precautions for 5 days. Can I share the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC summary<\/a> so we\u2019re on the same page?<\/td><td>Not everyone follows the same news. Point to consensus sources (CDC\/WHO) and keep it practical (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019\/advice-for-public\">WHO<\/a>).<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>COVID is a made-up problem by people who want to stall the economy. Why should I have to social distance when the pandemic isn\u2019t real?<\/td><td>We may see this differently, but I want to include higher\u2011risk family too. Simple steps like cleaner indoor air and offering masks in tight spaces help us celebrate together without making it a big deal (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE 241<\/a>).<\/td><td>Meet people where they are, emphasize inclusion, and avoid power struggles. A trusted messenger might be more effective.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>COVID-19 is just like the flu &#8211; I never got the flu when I wasn\u2019t wearing a mask, so why do I have to wear a mask now?<\/td><td>Masks aren\u2019t required here, but they\u2019re a useful option during higher\u2011risk moments (crowded rooms, recent illness). We\u2019ll also focus on ventilation\/HEPA so masking is a choice, not a burden (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC<\/a>).<\/td><td>Emphasize respectful, situational masking and cleaner air. Fit and filtration matter for those who choose to mask.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>All of these safety steps just won\u2019t work for me &#8211; if you keep telling me to do these things, I won\u2019t be able to attend your holiday party this year. Can you make an exception?<\/td><td>I\u2019m sorry this doesn\u2019t work for you. We\u2019ve chosen light, reasonable steps so everyone can participate. If you prefer, we can loop you in virtually for a toast so you\u2019re still part of it (Zoom\/Meet\/Discord).<\/td><td>It\u2019s okay to set boundaries and offer hybrid alternatives that are easy to join.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"four\">So Your Guests Have Arrived &#8211; What\u2019s The Best Way To Keep Them Safe?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No single step eliminates risk. Layer simple protections: encourage sick guests to stay home, ensure cleaner indoor air, and offer high\u2011quality masks during higher\u2011risk moments (crowded rooms, after a recent illness). See the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this, we put together the best options for your indoor or outdoor holiday celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommendations for outdoor celebrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If possible and weather permitting, outdoor celebrations are safer by default because exhaled aerosols dilute rapidly in open air. If the weather is chilly, provide adequate heating\u2014from a fire pit or outdoor heater to a bonfire\u2014but remember that enclosed tents behave like indoor spaces and need ventilation\/air cleaning if crowded (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\">WHO ventilation recommendations<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although you are outside, consider offering masks for tight clusters, keep hand\u2011hygiene supplies available, and design activities that naturally spread people out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Put up an inflatable movie screen or string an old sheet between two trees to watch a movie.<\/li><li>Decorate ornaments or make wreaths that everyone can take home in remembrance of this year\u2019s Holiday festivities.<\/li><li>Build a bonfire and provide all the essentials for s\u2019mores. Keep hot chocolate and beverages flowing!<\/li><li>If you invite children, have chalk or washable paints on-hand for hours of fun.<\/li><li>Play \u201cbowl in the dark\u201d with filled water bottles and a beachball.<\/li><li>Dance.<\/li><li>Take lots of photos to share all around.<\/li><li>Play board games.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recommendations for indoor celebrations&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If outdoor celebrations aren\u2019t possible, prioritize \u201cclean air\u201d indoors. Aim for ~5 or more air changes per hour of clean air using a combination of ventilation, better HVAC filtration (MERV\u201113+ where compatible), and portable HEPA units; upper\u2011room or in\u2011duct UVGI can add additional equivalent air changes. Open windows if safe, run exhaust fans, and use larger rooms when you can. CO\u2082 can serve as a practical proxy\u2014try to keep occupied levels as low as possible, commonly under ~800\u20131,000 ppm (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC\/NIOSH<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\">EPA<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\">ASHRAE 241<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Offer high\u2011quality masks for anyone who wants extra protection (especially after a recent illness or around higher\u2011risk guests). You may also want to put some of these practices in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Create boundaries for how many guests can occupy an individual room &#8211; consider rotating guests between different rooms in the house, much like speed-dating to ensure people can communicate while also helping them stay distanced from each other.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Have hygienic materials, like hand cleaner readily available, and\/or encourage attendees to bring them hand sanitizer, tissues, and extra masks.<\/li><li>Offer some fun indoor activities that you can do at a distance, and promote safety for kids, like:<ul><li>Making their own holiday masks with holiday fabric + string &#8211; let guests pick their own themes! (Optional craft; masks are a helpful layer during higher\u2011risk moments.)<\/li><li>Bake and decorate cookies with a prize for the very best, funniest, prettiest, etc.<\/li><li>Play board games, but keep tables at least six feet apart. You may even consider separating the table into sections with plexiglass. And &#8211; everyone wears a mask!<\/li><li>Make pizzas<\/li><li>Watch a movie on the big screen TV, but make sure people sit apart from one another.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Eating space can be limited indoors. Even so, try to spread diners across larger rooms, increase clean air during mealtime (open windows briefly, run HEPA), and shorten unmasked indoor time. Consider plated service or small\u2011group stations instead of long, crowded buffet lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"five\">Don\u2019t Just Protect Your Guests &#8211; Protect Your House!&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to protecting your friends and family, protect your home from intruders, accidents, and holiday mishaps. To limit potential homeowners insurance claims\u2014and unpleasant gaps\u2014review your policy and watch for common issues: correct dwelling limit, inflation guard\/extended replacement cost, water\/ sewer backup endorsement, roof coverage terms (replacement cost vs. ACV), and separate wind\/hail or named\u2011storm deductibles (<a href=\"https:\/\/content.naic.org\">NAIC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iii.org\/article\/types-of-homeowners-policies\">III: policy forms<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Theft. <\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Install or turn on outdoor lighting to discourage porch pirates, use package holds\/lockers, and avoid leaving gifts in plain sight. If you travel, ask a neighbor to watch your home and pause deliveries. Personal property is generally covered off\u2011premises (including items stolen from a car) under a standard homeowners policy, subject to deductible and sublimits for categories like jewelry or cash\u2014review your limits and consider scheduling high\u2011value items (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iii.org\/article\/what-is-covered-by-a-standard-homeowners-policy\">III<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Injuries and property damage.<\/strong><br>Rowdy partiers or someone slipping on ice can ruin the party and cost you thousands. Moderate alcohol, have plenty of food, clear walkways, and keep sidewalks salted and free of snow. Make sure your personal liability limits are appropriate; consider an umbrella policy if you have significant assets (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.iii.org\/article\/what-is-covered-by-a-standard-homeowners-policy\">III<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fires.<\/strong><br>Decorate with care, use electric candles instead of real candles, water your Christmas tree, cook carefully, and attend fireplaces. <br><br>Remember these mishaps are not covered by homeowners insurance without specific endorsements or may have limited coverage:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Sewer backup&nbsp;(typically excluded unless you\u2019ve added a specific endorsement with its own limit; common add\u2011on limits are about $5,000\u2013$25,000)<\/li><li>Damage caused by pets&nbsp;(often excluded or limited\u2014review your policy for specifics)<\/li><li>Theft of valuables from inside your car (contents may be covered under your homeowners personal property off\u2011premises, subject to deductible and sublimits; auto insurance covers vehicle damage, not the stolen contents\u2014confirm details with your insurer)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"six\">After The Party Ends&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your party was a success, and guests left happy. If anyone becomes ill afterward, follow the symptom\u2011based return guidance: stay home until overall symptoms improve and you\u2019re fever\u2011free for 24 hours without medication, then add precautions (masking, cleaner air, hand hygiene) for the next 5 days (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After guests depart, tidy up and consider precautions if you engaged in higher\u2011risk activities or learn that someone later tested positive. Test promptly if you develop symptoms; repeat a negative antigen test after 48 hours if suspicion remains, and check that at\u2011home tests haven\u2019t expired (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\">CDC testing<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/medical-devices\/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices\/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests\">FDA<\/a>). If you\u2019re at higher risk and test positive, contact a clinician quickly\u2014some antivirals must start within 5 days (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov\">NIH<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With today\u2019s flexible, evidence\u2011based approach\u2014stay home when sick, use added precautions for a few days after illness, improve indoor air, test when needed, and keep vaccination up to date\u2014you can celebrate together and start the New Year feeling connected and well. A quick policy checkup on your homeowners coverage reduces unpleasant surprises. For current health guidance and insurance basics, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/respiratory-viruses\/guidance\/index.html\">CDC<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/content.naic.org\">NAIC<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Holiday gatherings look different in 2025, but they can be both joyful and safer with today\u2019s symptom-based guidance and layered protections. The CDC\u2019s Respiratory Virus Guidance recommends a simple approach: stay home when you\u2019re sick, return once symptoms are improving and you\u2019ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication, then add precautions (masking, cleaner indoor [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":355501,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1268],"tags":[],"post_author":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How To Prep Your Home For The Holidays During COVID-19 | Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Before opening your doors to guests this Holiday season, ask yourself these questions and get the answers you need to keep yourself safe from COVID-19.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" 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