Labor Day Weekend COVID-19 Health & Safety Tips

The Labor Day holiday weekend typically signals back to school and unofficial end of the summer celebrations. This year with on-going community spread of SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the City of St. Louis Department of Health recommends residents and visitors modify their traditional celebrations to make sure activities and gatherings are healthy and safe. “It’s important that we rethink our holiday plans and ensure that we are considering how we celebrate in light of where we are in the pandemic,” says Dr. Fredrick Echols, Acting Director of Health and Commissioner of Health for the City of St. Louis.

Public health officials recommend:

Completing your COVID-19 vaccination research

At this point in the pandemic vaccinations continue to be our best tool in preventing severe complications, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19. Data shows that vaccines approved under the FDA Emergency Use Authorization authority are safe and effective.

• COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinics This Weekend
  • Sunday, September 5
    • New Northside MBC, 8645 Goodfellow Blvd, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
    • Washington Tabernacle MBC, 3200 Washington Ave , 10 a.m. – 1-p.m.  
    • Carr Square 56th Annual Downtown Day, 1000 Selby Pl, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Reconsidering travel plans for the weekend
It’s recommended that unvaccinated individuals not travel. Vaccinated individuals are encouraged to wear masks if they must travel, but are also encouraged to consider where the country and world is in regards to disease transmission in considering whether they must travel.

Celebrating outdoors
Outdoor gatherings and activities produce less risk for spreading and becoming infected with the virus for vaccinated or unvaccinated and masked or unmasked individuals.

Considering those most at risk
Symptoms vary from person to person, but data shows the risk of developing severe complications of COVID-19 increase in older individuals and also in people of any age who have underlying health conditions including heart or lung conditions, weakened immune systems, obesity, or diabetes. Also, when planning your holiday gathering and activities include the wearing of face coverings, good hygiene practices, and social distancing. Also, remember children younger than 12 years of age are not yet eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination and therefore are more at risk of contracting the virus and experiencing severe complications including hospitalization and death.