Tips for a Safe New Years from Local Public Officials

MARYLAND-

As the challenging year of 2020 comes to a close, residents are being advised to celebrate New Year’s safely.

“As much as you can, limit your gatherings. Look for alternatives, digital, virtual like Zoom for example.”, says Travis Scott, Public Information Officer for Worcester County.

Health officials say you don’t have to be alone. Immediate family household gatherings are fine.

“A lot of it depends onto how often you come in contact with people. If you have a household of 6 people in your immediate family you see every day, obviously that’s fine we’re not worried about their household size.”

Salisbury’s acting mayor Julia Glanz is also reminding residents that the precautions in place are more than just an advisory. “Just as a reminder to the city of Salisbury folks aren’t allowed to gather in numbers of more than 15 in their homes. We have an executive order that’s in place for that.”

Now there is serious concern that people have gotten too relaxed when it comes to following pandemic guidelines, and are taking too many risks.

“We are seeing the dramatic spread of this disease and hospitalizations being at the highest point they’ve ever been.”

Public officials say that if these guidelines are followed seriously, it’s possible things can get back to normal by the summer.

Brown remains optimistic, however, saying, “I’m trying to stay optimistic. a lot of it will depend on vaccines, how much dosage is available, and that’s something that has started here with phase 1a.”

Dodge Landesman, 47 ABC