Preparing for the Holidays During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Preparing for the Holidays During the COVID-19 Pandemic


November 5, 2020

Holiday celebrations can pose an increased risk for spreading coronavirus or COVID-19.Recently, Larry Finklestein, DO ‘87, professor, family medicine, spoke to 6ABC and shared advice as people prepare for the upcoming holiday season. With the COVID-19 pandemic still prevalent in Philadelphia and across the country, Dr. Finklestein advises against gathering indoors because of the limited ability to social distance. He also warns that large family gatherings can create a domino effect, meaning if one person is positive they can get a lot of other people sick. Dr. Finklestein encourages those who are celebrating with their families to keep the gatherings small and wear masks. 

Since March, PCOM has been working diligently to combat the effects of COVID-19. The College has enforced protective measures such as moving classes online and strict social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) measures to keep the community safe. This virus, which is spread by airborne pathogens and can live on some surfaces for several days, has been an ongoing threat to public health. 

Dr. Finklestein and his colleagues at the PCOM Healthcare Centers have been working hard to meet the needs of their patients. With in-person appointments available again, the PCOM Healthcare Centers have become a resource for the neighborhoods in Philadelphia which they serve—including Family Medicine on City Avenue, Lancaster Avenue and Cambria

PCOM leadership has also worked to share accurate and up to date information with the community. PCOM president and CEO, Jay Feldstein, DO ‘81, recently released an episode of his podcast PCOM Perspectives focused on COVID-19 vaccine development, testing and distribution.

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  • About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

    For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.

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    Brandon Lausch
    Executive Director, Strategic Communications
    Email: brandonla@pcom.edu
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