<![CDATA[American Samoa Alliance against Domestic & Sexual Violence - COVID-19 Monthly articles]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:47:50 -1100Weebly<![CDATA[COVID-19 and the Rise of Domestic Violence]]>Mon, 04 Nov 2024 22:28:21 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/covid-19-and-the-rise-of-domestic-violenceWritten by: Vatauomalotetele Fanene
Picture
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of life, and one
serious but often overlooked issue is the rise in domestic violence,
especially against women and marginalized groups. As lockdowns and
social distancing measures took place, many people found themselves
trapped in unsafe homes.
As the pandemic began, reports showed a troubling increase in
domestic violence cases. According to the United Nations, calls to
domestic violence hotlines rose by 25-50% during the early months.
Lockdowns forced many victims to stay home with their abusers,
creating a dangerous situation where tensions could escalate.
Isolation cut victims off from important support networks, such as
friends and family. Many felt trapped, and for countless individuals,
home became a place of fear and abuse.

The pandemic created challenges for those seeking to report domestic
violence or get help. Many shelters had to close or limit their services,
reducing options for those in need. Fear of catching the virus also
stopped many victims from reaching out for assistance.
Additionally, the lack of access to technology made things harder.
Those without smartphones or the internet struggled to find help. Even
for those who could go online, the risk of being monitored by an abuser
made it difficult to seek support safely.
The psychological impact of the pandemic has been severe, especially
for victims of domestic violence. The stress of isolation, financial

worries, and health concerns worsened their trauma. Research shows
that victims are at a higher risk for mental health issues like anxiety and
depression.
The overall stress of the pandemic also increased conflict within
households, raising the risk for those already vulnerable to abuse. This
situation highlights the need for support systems that address both
immediate safety and long-term mental health.

The long-term effects of the pandemic on domestic violence and
support systems are still unfolding. While there is hope that increased
awareness will lead to better resources, the immediate impact on
victims cannot be ignored. Moving forward, a comprehensive approach
is needed to tackle domestic violence, combining immediate support
with preventive measures and community involvement.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the urgent need for a thorough
response to domestic violence. The lessons learned during this crisis
should guide efforts to protect and empower vulnerable individuals,
ensuring that everyone can feel safe in their homes.
]]><![CDATA[COVID-19 and Suicide Prevention: A Vital Connection]]>Tue, 01 Oct 2024 04:14:58 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/covid-19-and-suicide-prevention-a-vital-connection
Picture
Written by: Vatauomalotetele Fanene

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a crucial time to address the mental
health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The isolation,
uncertainty, and economic strain brought on by the pandemic have significantly
increased feelings of anxiety and depression, leading to a rise in suicidal thoughts
among many individuals.

Isolation has been a profound factor, as lockdowns severed vital social
connections. For those already struggling with mental health issues, the lack of
support has intensified feelings of loneliness and despair. Economic hardships
further compound these challenges, leaving many feeling hopeless and
overwhelmed.

During Suicide Prevention Month, it’s essential to raise awareness about mental
health resources and encourage open conversations. Community support
initiatives, such as virtual support groups and wellness checks, can help bridge the
gap created by isolation. Highlighting available resources, including hotlines and
telehealth services, ensures that those in crisis know help is accessible.

As we reflect on the ongoing impact of COVID-19, let’s prioritize mental health
and foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help.
Together, we can break the stigma and ensure that no one faces their struggles
alone.
]]><![CDATA[The Impact of Covid 19 on the Mental Health of Racial and Ethnic Minorities.]]>Fri, 26 Jul 2024 02:36:38 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-mental-health-of-racial-and-ethnic-minoritiesPicture
 
The impact of Covid 19 on the mental health of racial and ethnic minorities has been significant.
 
Here are some key findings:
  1. Disproportionate Burden:
  • Racial and ethnic minorities bore a disproportionate mental health burden during the pandemic.
  • In the United States, compared to White participants:
  • Black participants had 16% higher odds of screening positive for depression.
  • Hispanic participants had 23% higher odds of screening positive for depression.
  • Asian participants have 15% higher odds of screening positive for depression.
  • Participants reporting more than one race/other had 34% higher odds of screening positive for depression
  • The rate of screening positive for anxiety was comparable across racial/ethnic groups.
 
  2. Long – Term Consideration
  • As healthcare systems transition from infection control to mitigating long-term consequences, these disparities must be addressed.
  • Culturally responsive care, advocacy, and recognizing cultural strengths and essential steps.
 
 3. Disproportionate Burden:
  • Racial and ethnic minorities bore a disproportionate mental health burden during the pandemic.
 
 4. Preexisting Disparities Amplified:
  • Depression, Anxiety, and suicidal thoughts: Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts increase significantly during the pandemic, especially among Black, Asian, and Hispanics
  • Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: COVID-19 infection also led to specific neuropsychiatric systems, adding to the mental health challenge.
 
 5. Transitioning to Long -Term Consequences
  • As the healthcare system shifts from prioritizing infection control to mitigating long-term effects, understanding these disparities is crucial
  • Advocacy, culturally responsive care, and recognizing cultural strength are essential steps.
 
Remember, that addressing minority mental health requires a holistic approach, considering cultural context and individual resilience. 
]]><![CDATA[The Impact of the COVID19 pandemic on LGBTQ+ individuals]]>Fri, 28 Jun 2024 01:44:12 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/the-impact-of-the-covid19-pandemic-on-lgbtq-individualsPicture
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on LGBTQ has been multifaceted.   Let’s delve into some key findings:
  1. Economic Impact:
  • A larger share of LGBTQ+ (56%) compared to non- LGBTQ+ adults (44%) reported experiencing COVID-era job lobs
   2. Mental Health
  • Three- fourth of LGBTQ+ people (74%) reported that pandemic-related worry and stress negatively affected their mental health, compared to 49% of non-LGBTQ+ individuals3. Views and Concerns
  • One-third of LGBTQ+ adults felt that the news generally underestimated the seriousness of the pandemic (compared to 23% of non-LGBTQ+ adults)
  3. Views and Concerns 
  • Similar to non-LGBTQ+ adults, 74% of LGBTQ+ adults expressed worry about themselves or their family members getting sick from COVID- 19.
  • Many LGBTQ+ adults were willing to follow CDC- recommended steps to prevent virus transmission
 4.Vaccination Attitudes:
  • While LGBTQ+ people express a desire to get vaccinated at a similar pace as non-LGBTQ+ individuals they saw vaccination as part of everyone’s responsibility to protect others.
  • Non- LGBTQ+ individuals were more likely to view vaccination as a personal choice. 




]]><![CDATA[COVID-19 AND MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH]]>Sun, 26 May 2024 05:50:11 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/covid-19-and-maternal-mental-healthWritten by: Mary Anne Peck, Mary Anne Peck: Writing and Workshops
 
COVID-19 AND MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH
Becoming a parent is a beautiful and incredibly challenging time for many people. There are many physical and psychological changes associated with the perinatal phase (pregnancy and the year after childbirth), and these changes and milestones were deeply impacted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
COVID-19 created an environment with new risks and uncertainty for pregnant people and new parents, and this increase in risk brought an increase in mental health challenges.
 
 
HOW CAN COVID IMPACT PREGNANCY?From senior citizens to chronically ill individuals, there are vulnerable populations who live at a higher risk of experiencing severe COVID complications. One of these populations is pregnant people.
 
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Pregnant people with severe COVID-19 also may be more likely to develop other health problems as a result of COVID-19. They include heart damage, blood clots and kidney damage. Moderate to severe symptoms from COVID-19 have also been linked to higher rates of preterm birth, high blood pressure, or preeclampsia.”
 
These risks can cause stress to pregnant people, and for people who were pregnant during the initial outbreak, this stress was especially high. Pregnant people missed prenatal appointments and gave birth without loved ones present due to social-distancing regulations, making pregnancy a very different experience than it would have been pre-COVID.
 
COVID AND PARENTHOODThe spread of COVID-19 led communities around the world to shift the way we work and learn. Many professionals began to work from home to prevent the spread of the disease and schools moved to remote learning models.
 
Mothers who experienced higher levels of school support during their children’s remote learning report that they experienced less stress and their children adapted well to the new model. However, educational professionals struggled in the early months of COVID to effectively teach students from a distance, and parents experienced a sharp increase in stress as they navigated working from home and facilitating their children’s education. 
 
 
MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES PREDATE COVIDThe truth is that maternal mental health struggles did not begin during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, 20% of people in the perinatal period experienced mental health challenges. According to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, women may avoid seeking help for mental health symptoms due to stigma. They may worry that other people think they can’t care for their child or they are too weak to cope with the stress.
 
While the stress of the COVID pandemic exacerbated this issue, the prevalence of mental health conditions among perinatal women is an indication of a much larger, societal issue: How can we provide better care for pregnant people and new parents? 
 
 
SUPPORTING PARENTS IN OUR COMMUNITYThis month, as we celebrate Mothers’ Day, we must look beyond flowers and nice cards and address how we can support parents throughout the year. If someone you love is showing signs of a mental health condition, such a perinatal depression, you can:
 
  • Spend time with your loved one and provide support as they move through pregnancy and early parenthood.
  • Encourage your loved one to speak to a healthcare provider about the symptoms they are experiencing.
  • Assist your loved one with household tasks and support them as they make appointments for mental healthcare.
 
If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health condition associated with COVID-19 or parenthood, please feel free to reach out to the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (684-699-0272) for information about community workshops, counseling, and resources available in American Samoa. 
]]><![CDATA[THE TRAUMA AND STRESS OF COVID-19]]>Tue, 30 Apr 2024 02:25:37 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/the-trauma-and-stress-of-covid-19Picture

Written by: Mary Anne Peck, Mary Anne Peck: Writing and Workshops

Survivors of domestic and sexual violence often face years of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and a long road to recovery in the aftermath of the assault. As we move through Sexual Assault Awareness Month, conversations around PTSD are incredibly important for understanding the lived experience of survivors around the world and exploring the best ways we can help them.
 
While PTSD is common among survivors of violence, PTSD and chronic stress can be caused by a variety of events. As the world moves further and further from the initial outbreak of COVID-19, doctors and psychologists have begun to explore the impact of the pandemic on mental health and the trauma responses that emerged during the global crisis.
 
There are many aspects of the pandemic experience that may lead to high levels of stress, including:
  • Hospitalization: COVID has killed millions of people, and those who were hospitalized fought a long and painful battle for survival. The experience of hospitalization involved painful symptoms, uncertainty, and separation from friends and family.
  • Death of Family Members: Many people lost at least one relative, friend, or coworker to COVID-19. The fear that came with this unexpected loss can cause long-term stress that some are still struggling with.
  • Loss of Financial Stability: Many people lost their jobs and their financial stability early in the pandemic.
  • Isolation: Social distancing left many people isolated from their community and support systems. This was especially traumatic for victims of domestic violence who were quarantined at home with their abusers.
 
If you are experiencing stress and mental health symptoms in connection to COVID-19, it is important to seek help and support. There are counselors on-island (through LBJ and DOH) who can help you to process your pandemic experiences. There are also community programs, such as those offered by the Alliance, focused on building resilience.
 
(If you are a community member interested in exploring the resiliency tools, please contact the Alliance to learn about future workshops and events. The Alliance is also sponsoring workshops for the staff of the Alliance’s Community Partner Organizations! These workshops are free and open to the public.) 

]]><![CDATA[Women’s Leadership During the COVID Crisis]]>Tue, 26 Mar 2024 19:29:02 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/womens-leadership-during-the-covid-crisisPicture
Written by: Mary Anne Peck, Mary Anne Peck: Writing and Workshops

Women’s Leadership During the COVID Crisis
  • "When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less important whether or not I am unafraid." — Audre Lorde, writer and activist

When coronavirus first appeared on the evening news and our Instagram feeds, the global population had no way of anticipating what was about to happen. After the initial outbreak in Wuhan in December 2019, novel coronavirus was deemed an international threat, and by January 2020, COVID-19 had begun to spread. Globally, communities were faced with an uncertain and terrifying future. 

DEVELOPING A VACCINE became a top priority from the beginning, and scientists around the world worked towards the same goal. One unexpected leader that emerged during this time was Dr. Kati Kariko. The daughter of a Hungarian butcher. Dr. Kariko began her career in Hungary, but when faced with a lack of research funding, she and her husband moved to Philadelphia in search of new opportunities. 

Dr. Kariko has never been motivated by fame or money; the sole focus of her research for decades has been messenger RNA and the possibilities mRNA presents. Dr. Kariko spent years moving from laboratory to laboratory, pursuing proof of her revolutionary idea–that mRNA could instruct a person’s cells to fight disease. 

Despite her love of “the bench,” her desire to spend her days in a laboratory, Dr. Kariko changed the world when her mRNA research built the foundation of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations. In 2021, she was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine for her work. 

According to Dr. Langer, who worked closely with Dr. Kariko, the secret to this success was resilience. “Kate’s genius was a willingness to accept failure and keep trying,” Dr. Langer told the New York Times. When faced with overwhelming challenges, Dr. Kariko rose after each “failure” and tried again. 

PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE POPULATION IN AMERICAN SAMOA was the prime concern for local leaders from the beginning of the crisis. Before Dr. Kariko’s research yielded a COVID vaccine, American Samoa employed a different tool for protection against the pandemic: geographic isolation.

American Samoa’s border was closed and our island’s inhabitants watched from isolated safety as the rest of the world fought the pandemic. In Washington D.C., Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen secured funding to help American Samoa through the lockdown and facilitate the building of necessary healthcare systems to fight the pandemic. 

COVID funding, including the CARES Act, provided American Samoa with additional funding for Medicaid, education, and nutrition assistance. Congresswoman Amata represented the needs of the people in American Samoa, bringing attention to the impact of lockdown on a small island territory.   

LOCAL EDUCATION AND VACCINATION were vital in protecting the well-being of the people of American Samoa, and the American Samoa Government established the COVID Task Force and COVID Vaccine Working Group to implement plans to safeguard the island. Dr. Francine Amoa, a pharmacist, was instrumental in developing the vaccination plans for American Samoa. 

“Underneath the sleep deprivation, long work hours, lists of problems and juggling what feels like endless tasks, it has been truly an honor and a privilege to be a healthcare worker during these times,” Dr. Amoa said in an interview with ASDOH and ASTCA in 2023. “The science and clinical practices surrounding the pandemic from vaccine development using the latest technology to design and develop therapeutic agents to treat COVID-19 has all been so equally rewarding to learn and teach other health professionals in order to deliver the best care to our patients and community.”

In her efforts to help her island, Dr. Amoa had to face an intangible kind of challenge: misinformation spreading on social media about the dangers of vaccines. 

“We've had to be very creative and dynamic in our approach to address the various perceptions and misinformation surrounding the pandemic,” Dr. Amoa remembers. “The best part about my job is being able to provide direct services through vaccination or dispensing medicines for COVID-19 for people and their families. At the end of the day, all we can hope for is an opportunity to make a difference through service or acts of kindness to others.” 

THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID is well-documented, and around the world, women faced serious challenges during the pandemic beyond the threat of the disease itself. Labeled as the “Shadow Pandemic” by UNWomen, there has been a documented increase in domestic and sexual violence since the initial outbreak of COVID-19. Lockdown and travel restrictions created environments where women were trapped with their abusers and separated from friends, family, and community resources. 

American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, led by Jennifer Tofaeono, worked throughout the height of the pandemic to connect victims to local resources and provide virtual webinars and training events for the community. The organization continues to partner with local community partners to provide workshops and training focused on resilience building.    

MOVING FORWARD means facing the heartbreaking realities of COVID. As of May 2023, 6.86 million people around the world have died of COVID, and survivors of the pandemic have been left to cope with the physical and social consequences of the disease. 

Dr. Kati Kariko, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, Dr. Francine Amoa, and Director Jennifer Tofaeono are just a few of the women who worked, and continue to work, to help build resilient populations. By facing challenges head-on and rising in the aftermath of disaster, these resilient women set a strong example for our community today. 

This month, as we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, let’s take the time to honor the women in our families, our villages, and our global community who have carried us through the pandemic and brought us out the other side.

​
]]><![CDATA[Covid 19 Response in 2021 to today]]>Wed, 20 Mar 2024 03:35:09 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/covid-19-response-in-2021-to-today
Picture

Written by:  ASADSV Media Staff
The response to COVID-19 in the Pacific Islands has been characterized by proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.

Here are some key points regarding the COVID-19 response in the American Samoa and other Pacific Islands: 
1. Border Control and Travel Restrictions: American Samoa along with other Pacific nations implemented strict border control measures, including travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and testing protocols to prevent the introduction of the virus into their countries.

2.  Public Health Messaging and Education: Public health authorities in the Pacific Islands disseminated information about COVID-19 prevention measures, including hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing, to raise awareness and promote adherence to guidelines.

3. Testing and Contact Tracing: Testing for COVID-19 and contact tracing activities were conducted to identify and isolate cases early, track potential transmission chains, and prevent community spread.

4. Health System Preparedness: Pacific Island nations worked to strengthen their healthcare systems by increasing capacity, securing medical supplies, and training healthcare workers to manage COVID-19 cases effectively.

5. Vaccination Campaigns: Efforts to procure and administer COVID-19 vaccines were undertaken to protect populations from the virus and achieve herd immunity in some Pacific Island countries. Community Engagement:

6.  Community engagement and involvement were crucial in the COVID-19 response, with efforts to involve local leaders, community representatives, and organizations in raising awareness and promoting preventive measures.

7.  Regional Cooperation: Collaboration among Pacific Island nations, as well as with regional and international partners, facilitated the sharing of resources, best practices, and technical support to strengthen the collective response to the pandemic.

While the Pacific Islands including American Samoa have generally experienced lower caseloads compared to other regions, these nations remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of their populations. For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 response in the Pacific Islands, I recommend consulting official sources such as regional health authorities and government websites.

​If you have any specific questions or need further information on this topic, feel free to ask contact: media@asadsv.com 

]]><![CDATA[Responding to Crisis: COVID, Stalking, and Violence]]>Tue, 27 Feb 2024 03:53:31 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/responding-to-crisis-covid-stalking-and-violencePicture

Mary Anne Peck: Writing and Workshops
​
WHAT IS STALKING? Stalking: a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear and/or suffer substantial emotional distress. 

A stalker can be a victim’s former romantic partner, an acquaintance, or a total stranger. Some stalkers are driven by a desire to build a relationship with their victim, while others want revenge because they feel that their victim wronged them in the past. 

Stalking can take place in person, with a stalker following their victim and repeatedly visiting their victim’s home. Stalking can also take place remotely, with some stalkers using mail and digital tools to send messages to their victims. 

No matter their reasons and their methods, stalkers cause their victims stress and trauma. 


COVID-19 AND STALKINGStudies have repeatedly shown that large-scale crisis situations can increase the prevalence of violence and dangerous behaviors. The COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis situation that impacted the entire planet, had (and continues to have) this effect. 

Domestic and sexual violence increased during the height of the pandemic, a phenomenon that UN Women has deemed the “Shadow Pandemic.” Social distancing was a tool that helped to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but it also trapped victims with their abusers. While the evidence is still being collected, studies show that the pandemic impacted the prevalence of stalking in a similar way. 

As communities transitioned to working from home and social distancing, victims of stalking were faced with ongoing threats. Stalkers operated with more certainty about the victims’ movements, and many victims were forced to weigh the dangers of staying home and potentially facing their stalker or leaving and potentially being exposed to the virus. The stress and fear were exacerbated by the increase in virtual stalking methods. 


CYBERSTALKING: STALKING IN ONLINE SPACESThe world turned to digital tools for work, health, and socialization during the pandemic. Unfortunately, stalkers turned to these same tools to threaten and harass their victims. Social media, video conferencing, tracking devices, and spyware can all be used by perpetrators to follow their victims, track their digital and physical movements, and send unwanted digital communication.  

Individuals who are experiencing cyberstalking should thoroughly document any communication the stalker attempts (i.e. take screenshots) and report the stalker to the police. 


THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF STALKINGStalking can cause victims to experience mental health conditions such as depression, chronic stress, and anxiety. These conditions are linked to an increased risk of developing long-COVID and developing long-term health issues after a COVID-19 infection. 

Stalking victims are also more likely to experience physical health conditions such as sleeping difficulties, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, frequent headaches, asthma, and/or issues with vision. Many of these conditions have been found to have adverse effects on COVID-19 patients. For example, studies have found that diabetes patients are at a higher risk of developing serious complications when being treated for COVID-19. 

Stalking does not always lead to physical violence, but the threat of violence and the stress associated with being followed, threatened, and harassed can have long term effects on victims. Many stalking victims spend their lives coping with the trauma and remaining hypervigilant–always on the lookout for possible danger. 


FINDING SAFETY, JUSTICE, AND HEALINGVictims deserve to live healthy and safe lives, but the road to justice and healing isn’t always easy. Forty percent of stalking cases are reported to law enforcement, but of those reported cases, only 8% are arrested. Once arrested, victims must wait to see if their stalker will face jail time. 

There are many resources available online for victims. For example, SPARC offers Stalking Incident and Behavior Logs that can be used to document interactions with a stalker. This log can be an important tool for victims and law enforcement to track a stalker’s behavior. 

Victims in American Samoa can reach out to local advocates such as the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic and Sexual Violence or the American Samoa Attorney General’s Office to learn more about the resources that are available. These professionals can help victims to take steps down the long road towards justice and healing. 

]]><![CDATA[Having a Happy, Healthy Holiday!]]>Wed, 20 Dec 2023 22:18:34 GMThttps://www.asalliance.co/covid-19-monthly-articles/having-a-happy-healthy-holiday
Picture
Written by: Mary Anne Peck, Mary Anne Peck: Writing and Workshops
​
The holiday season is a wonderful time of joy with friends and family. However, with the increases in travel and large events, the holidays can bring heightened risks of disease and infection. 

If you and your family are trying to avoid COVID-19, RSV, and flu during the holidays, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. 
KNOW THE SYMPTOMSThe symptoms of flu, COVID, and RSV include fever, muscle soreness, coughing, headaches, sore throat, runny nose, and digestive difficulties. Individuals with COVID may also temporarily lose their ability to taste or smell. 

If you start to exhibit any of these symptoms, you can take an at-home test to rule out COVID, or you can visit the LBJ Emergency Room or a DOH Clinic to talk with a doctor.  
STAY UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINESVaccinations are powerful tools that help your immune system respond to disease. However, vaccinations, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, need to be regularly updated to continue to work effectively. 

If you haven’t visited a medical clinic yet for this year’s vaccinations, visiting before you attend any Christmas or New Year’s celebrations can help keep you and your family safe from disease. 

In American Samoa, our community can visit any of the DOH clinics or the LBJ Hospital for vaccinations. 
WEAR A MASKSince the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, mask-wearing has become a common practice for avoiding illness. If you are worried about attending a large holiday party, church service, or family gathering, masks can provide you with some peace of mind. 

Looking to incorporate some holiday cheer into your mask-wearing? Try wearing a holiday themed cloth mask over your medical, KN95, or N95 mask! 

Please remember, in order for a face mask to effectively protect against disease, it must fully cover your mouth and nose.  
DISINFECT HANDS AND SURFACESAs you enjoy the holiday events with your family, there are several steps you can take to disinfect yourself and your surroundings, such as: 
  • Washing your hands
  • Carrying hand sanitizer 
  • Disinfecting surfaces
SPEND TIME OUTDOORSInstead of celebrating with your family or coworkers indoors, consider hosting the holiday party in an outdoor venue such as a local park, backyard, or open space such as a fale or large tent.

Outdoor events create an environment where everyone has ample space to move around without being too close to other attendees. This space helps reduce the risk of contracting COVID or the flu. 
SET BOUNDARIES If you are hosting a holiday party, one way to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones is to set clear boundaries. This can include asking loved ones to stay home if they have any symptoms of the flu or COVID. You can also ask for  people to take a rapid COVID test before coming over for the Secret Santa. 
VIRTUAL ALTERNATIVES FOR HOLIDAY PARTIESIf you are sick, then consider some virtual alternatives that can help you to spend time with friends and family as you recover. Messaging apps, texting, phone calls, and video conferencing all offer ways for us to connect with others and spread holiday cheer, even when we can’t meet face-to-face. 
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY HEALTHY!Caring for our community this holiday means more than picking the perfect presents and cooking delicious food. We can work together to keep our community healthy and safe this Christmas by updating our vaccinations, practicing social distancing, and wearing masks whenever we can. These simple steps go a long way in protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and can help us all to have a wonderful holiday.

​
]]>