CDC releases 2021 holiday guidance to prevent spread of COVID-19

The CDC has released its public health guidance for the 2021 holiday season, offering up mostly general advice on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday released its official public health guidance for the 2021 holiday season, offering up mostly general advice on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The guidance urges people to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays if they haven't done so already. For young children who aren't yet eligible for the vaccine, the CDC suggests reducing risk of exposure by making sure the people around them are vaccinated.

The CDC also recommends that people continue to wear masks indoors in public spaces.

"We fully expect that families and friends will gather for the holidays this year and we have updated our guidance on how to best to stay safe over the holidays," the agency wrote in a statement. "The best way to minimize COVID risk and ensure that people can safely gather is to get vaccinated or get the booster if you’re eligible."