The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to remember the basic steps to help reduce their risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 ahead of the festive period – wear a face covering, maintain social distancing, and practise good hand hygiene – as well as keeping rooms well-ventilated and getting the COVID-19 vaccine or booster if you are eligible. “However, COVID-19 remains a threat and these steps will be the most effective way of helping to protect ourselves and those around us in the lead up to and over Christmas by reducing the risk of spread of all strains of the virus. “Importantly, taking the test, or a negative result from the test, doesn’t mean you can ignore the other important public health requirements.