The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new guidance on the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year — and it’s at home. With the people you live with.
The CDC says, “More than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States over the last 7 days. As cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.”
The safest way to celebrate #Thanksgiving is with your household members. Cook traditional family recipes, have a virtual dinner with your friends and family, or watch parades and movies from your cozy couch. More tips: https://t.co/zLzjYgnxYn. pic.twitter.com/v5Kv80iH4Z
— CDC (@CDCgov) November 18, 2020
If you are planning to travel, the CDC asks you to evaluate the following:
- Are you, someone in your household, or someone you will be visiting at increased risk for getting very sick from COVID-19?
- Are cases high or increasing in your community or your destination? Check CDC’s COVID Data Tracker for the latest number of cases.
- Are hospitals in your community or your destination overwhelmed with patients who have COVID-19? To find out, check state and local public health department websites.
- Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Check state and local requirements before you travel. (Ohio recently updated its travel advisory to include 14 states.)
- During the 14 days before your travel, have you or those you are visiting had close contact with people they don’t live with?
- Do your plans include traveling by bus, train, or air which might make staying 6 feet apart difficult?
- Are you traveling with people who don’t live with you?
They say if you “answered yes” to any of the above, maybe reconsider your options.
The CDC lists a variety of different ideas for hosting alternative Thanksgiving events this year, and also provides guidance to those who still intend to travel — as well as guidance for those either hosting or going to Thanksgiving outside of their homes (aka wear a mask, wash your hands, sit outside if you can, bring your own food and utensils, etc.)
This article appears in The Gift Guide.