Thanksgiving Day in 2020 may not be the same as every year in the US, owing to the COVID-19 which is now aggressively targeting the American states in its third wave across the nation. The chief health agency, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged Americans to avoid traveling this Thanksgiving as the coronavirus spread in various states is hitting new records.
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Thanksgiving is celebrated widely in the US as people plan holidays with friends and family and enjoy the holiday season. This year, however, CDC has recommended against travel and asked people to stay at home as the best way to prevent themselves and your loved ones from the virus. While the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest traveling day in the US, there will be a minimum 10% drop this year as predicted by the AAA travel agency.
The US has crossed 11 Million coronavirus cases
As of Thursday, Nov 19, 2020, almost a quarter of a million Americans have died of the deadly virus, and the total number of coronavirus cases has peaked beyond 11 million. While President Donald Trump has been highly criticized for mishandling the pandemic situation in the US, the next President-Elect Joe Biden, has suggested a mask mandate for the people with the governors of the state.
CDC guidance to US citizens for Thanksgiving Travel
Mentioning the surge of coronavirus cases to 1 million, all reported in the US in the last 7 days, CDC has issued some advisories for Thanksgiving travel:
- Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.
- CDC has advised Americans to get a flu shot before travel, wearing a mask in public places, public transport, and maintain a 6 feet distance from anyone who does not live with you.
In case of attending a Thanksgiving gathering,
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- Bring your own food, drinks, utensils, plates, and cups. While eating, safely store your mask.
- Avoid the crowd near the place where food is prepared and handled, like a kitchen.
- Use single-use options, such as salad dressing and condiments packets, and eat in disposable items like containers, plates which can be discarded after use.
If you are Hosting a Thanksgiving Gathering
It’s safe to celebrate Thanksgiving virtually, however, if you are hosting, make sure that you take the necessary precautions and make everyone comply with the hygiene and distancing rules.
- Limit the guests and have an outdoor meal with your close family, friends, or neighbors.
- Sanitize the area regularly while disinfecting the frequently used surfaces.
- If the setting is indoors, keep the windows and doors open and use a window fan to pull in the fresh air.
- Have the same person serve food, and go for single-use plates and utensils.
While the CDC emphasized celebrating Thanksgiving virtually, it has also suggested those who have symptoms of COVID-19 or may be awaiting test results should not attend in-person holiday gatherings.
