With Christmas Day tomorrow, many will be considering traveling to see friends and family. However, due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 around the nation and world, those who are at higher risk — the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions — should remain at home. But, don’t worry you can still have a Merry Christmas through the use of technology.
According to the Center for Disease Control, celebrating virtually is the best way to help keep your family safe. Traveling could spread the disease to others.
“Travel may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.”
In the last seven days, there have been more than 1.6 million new cases of COVID-19 recorded across the country. There were 79 new cases in the last seven days in Columbia County. So, while considering your holiday plans this year, know that there are several virtual options that will help you and your family stay a little safer this year — these include Zoom meetings, FaceTime, phone calls, Facebook Messenger Video Chat, and other options.
Below are different options for use on your desktop or mobile device:
- Zoom: One of the most widely used applications for video chats is Zoom. AARP has an excellent “How-To” guide listed on its site here: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2020/how-to-use-zoom.html This will teach you how to use the application on your computer, tablet, or phone. This application is one of the easiest to use and has a support page for those who have trouble connecting with their loved ones.
- FaceTime: With those who have Apple devices, FaceTime is an easy way to say virtually connected. AARP also has a helpful “How-To” Guide for this service here: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2019/how-to-facetime.html If the person you are wanting to video chat with has an Android Device you cannot use this to contact them. However, you can use Facebook Messenger Video chat.
- Facebook Messenger Video Chat: If you have Facebook and enjoy using that application to connect with loved ones, you can easily video chat with them using this medium. Facebook Support has a helpful guide here: https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/1414800065460231?helpref=uf_permalink You will need to be friends with the individual you want to contact on Facebook to place a video call with them over messenger.
This holiday season is very different from what we are used to, but that doesn’t mean that it has to exclude loved ones. With these easy virtual applications, you can still connect with family and friends to share in the joy of Christmas. So, please be safe this holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
