For the Thanksgiving holiday next week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, with the agency’s website suggesting virtual Thanksgivings to lower transmission risks.
For extended families wishing to be together in-person, health professionals suggest outdoor gatherings with separations such as storm doors or windows. Smaller gatherings and shorter gatherings also help to reduce risk of viral transmission.
The guidance for the holiday season is being provided since gathering indoors with people who aren’t members of your household is considered by health professionals to be a high-risk activity for the transmission of COVID-19. It also comes at a time when infection rates for COVID-19 across North Texas have been on the rise for several weeks.
The CDC recommends for those choosing to attend a gathering to take these additional precautions:
- Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups and utensils.
- Wear a mask and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
- Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
- Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates and utensils.
For more information on celebrating safely this Thanksgiving season, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html.
