Keeping your family safe this Thanksgiving – . Health Blog

So much is different and difficult during this pandemic – including planning for the holidays.

It is understandable to want to meet with friends and family. We're all so exhausted from the COVID-19 pandemic and in need of some encouragement. And most of us have friends and family who we haven't had time with in months, or who we haven't seen at all.

However, meeting friends and family can pose real risks during the pandemic, especially as cases rise across the country. All it takes is one sick person – who may not even realize they are sick – to infect others and spread the virus even further.

In all fairness, it's best to just celebrate the vacation with the people you live with and skip personal sporting events (or any other) or personal shopping on Black Friday. It really is the best way to keep everyone safe. Just make yourself comfortable, check in virtually and plan for the next year when hopefully things get a lot better.

Are you still planning to gather for Thanksgiving?

While experts advise skipping gatherings on this Thanksgiving Day, here are some recommendations to help limit the risk for people planning to celebrate the holiday with others.

Make plans in advance

Travel safely when you are out and about. The safest way to go by car is only with the people you live with. However, if this requires an overnight stay, a direct flight is likely safer. If you fly, look for flights that will keep people apart, wear a mask, and bring hand sanitizer and wipes.
Keep the numbers low. This is just not the year for a big family reunion.
Keep the party short. This is not the year for a long family reunion either.
Agree to "no symptoms" and "no exposure". Make sure everyone understands that anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to the virus cannot come. It doesn't have to be negotiable.
If possible, agree to socialize outside. If you need to be indoors, do whatever you can to improve ventilation, such as: B. opening windows (but understand that this is not as safe as outside).

Seating and food

Arrange the seats so that there is at least two meters between family members who do not live together.
When planning your meal, watch out for risks:
- Ideally everyone should bring their own food and not share it.
- When some people cook, ask them to wear gloves and masks. And limit the number of people involved in preparing meals together.
- No buffets this year. Think of pre-made plates of food that people can take and put in their place.
- When serving food, have one person wear a mask and gloves.
- Try to use individual servings of spices (like packets of salt and pepper) so that people don't all touch the same container.
If possible, use disposable plates, cutlery and cookware.
Use touchless trash cans or buckets.

Masks, physical contact, and disinfection of hands and surfaces

Wear masks when you are not eating and when you cannot be a meter apart. I know that at a family get-together feels weird and tough, but it's crucial.
No hugs or other physical contact between people who do not live together. Even elbow bumps are not a good idea. Not this year.
Everyone should wash their hands often. Have hand disinfectant ready.
Wipe the surfaces regularly (e.g. keep cloths in the bathroom).

Don't go to crowded sporting events or shopping. Again: not the year for it. It's just not worth the risk.

For more information on protecting your family this holiday season, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the . Health Publishing Coronavirus Resource Center.

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