Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving by Observing COVID-19 Family Safety

Did you know that in 2020, three million people traveled around the country for Thanksgiving in the middle of the pandemic? This created safety concerns, and there were resulting spikes of the virus among families that did not take the proper precautions.

How can you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving?

There are some necessary Covid-19 precautions to take to make this holiday season one that the entire family can enjoy. Read on to find out more.

Understand the Risks and Plan Ahead

The first step to planning a happy and safe Thanksgiving is to understand the risks. Large gatherings always carry the risk of coming into contact with someone who has the virus.

The more families you join together, the more of a concern this can be, which is why smaller numbers for Thanksgiving are a better option.

You want to take into account where everyone will be coming from. Since there are more significant surges of the virus in some states, you may want to ask someone who comes from those areas to take a test before Thanksgiving. People who commute using public transportation or come into contact with large groups of people while they work can also be at higher risk of the virus. Consider requesting a test before they arrive.

Children will likely not have the necessary vaccines in time for Thanksgiving, especially those younger than four. Remember that children can still get sick, which is why they should not be around people who are not vaccinated.

Set Rules

Before anyone makes plans and buys airplane tickets, you need to set the rules for the gathering. This can vary from household to household. If you do not feel comfortable being in contact with unvaccinated guests, let everyone know the group will be limited to those who got the vaccine.

By letting people know in advance, those who want to attend can still get vaccinated. Even if everyone does have the vaccine, you may also want to tell them to get tested before departing.

Tips for a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving

Once you have set the rules, do what you can to mitigate any potential risks.

These actions could include:

• Keep gatherings small by inviting only a couple of households
• Choose outdoor locations since there are lower risks of contagion outdoors
• Encourage handwashing and set up a handwashing station for children
• Do not share utensils
• Allow for social distancing by choosing a potluck-style dinner instead of a traditional one with everyone sitting around the table
• When in contact with someone from another household, wear a mask
• Avoid handshaking
• Quarantine, if possible
• Protect the elderly and children who are not vaccinated, as well as those with other health concerns

Consider a virtual gathering

These are all effective ways of mitigating the risks you will encounter as people gather together for Thanksgiving. Remember, even if you are vaccinated, the chance of getting Covid is not gone.

Enjoy Spending Time Together

After 2020, spending time with loved ones is something people are not willing to postpone any longer. For more information about how to ensure a happy and safe Thanksgiving, get in touch with your local emergency room in Corpus Christi or read their blog.

Sources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, October 15). Safer Ways to Celebrate Holidays. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html