We are lucky enough this year that heading into the holiday season COVID-19 is at a relatively low level throughout the state. Unlike the pre-vaccine times during lockdown, we can gather with friends and family to share food and one another’s company as the days get shorter and colder.

However, COVID-19 can still be a serious threat to people in our community who are older or have compromised immune systems. There are a few things we all can do to reduce our chances of catching the coronavirus or accidentally bringing it to the party. Here’s what you can do to help keep your celebrations COVID-free:

• Keep an eye on the viral loads on wastewater. It’s the best way we have of tracking transmission at this point. The University of Minnesota has a cool web tool that’s available to the public here.

• Get boosted! The protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines can wane over time, so it’s important to know if you are up to date on your vaccinations. Check out the page on vaccines put together by the Minnesota Department of Health!

• Get your free COVID-19 tests from the state. Testing is a great way to protect the older or more vulnerable folks in our community. If you wake up feeling under the weather, don’t risk spreading COVID-19. Test and be sure!

• Prescription medication is available to help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Talk to a health care provider to learn if you qualify for COVID-19 treatment and where to get it. Learn more about COVID-19 medication at COVID-19 Treatments. Dozens of Minnesota pharmacies and federally qualified health centers are participating in the federal Test to Treat program. There, you can take a COVID-19 test and, if positive, be assessed by a provider on-site. If you are eligible for treatment, you can receive and fill a prescription for pills at the same time. The federal government has a Test to Treat locator  to help find participating sites. In addition, the State of Minnesota has launched a telehealth test-to-treat app in partnership with Cue Health. For more information on this program visit the Telehealth webpage.