Non-Traditional, But Still Thankful

The CDC And The Prince George’s County Health Department Say: Take Steps To Protect Yourself From Getting or Spreading COVID-19. Here’s How.

Written and Compiled By Maria Lopez-Bernstein

Even in a pandemic, there are things to be thankful for.

This holiday season, don’t let the stress of the pandemic and the isolation from family and friends make you feel down. With cases of novel coronavirus continuously rising in the U.S. (now at over 11 million cases), the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has issued guidelines to help families understand the risks involved in holiday gatherings and how to reduce them.

State and local leaders have asked that families avoid Thanksgiving travel this year. The County Executive and the county health department have specifically warned against traveling to states with infection rates equal to or higher than that of Prince George’s. But for those families who insist on gathering in some form, it should only be done with some tweaking. Set up a safety plan and follow it to the letter. 

Remember that health experts are suggesting that if you do plan to gather for the holiday this year, it’s a good idea to quarantine two weeks prior to traveling as best as possible - to avoid infection and potential transmission during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Household gatherings are a high threat for the spread of COVID-19. And remember, some people without symptoms may still be able to spread the novel coronavirus as well as the flu. The safest way to celebrate, the CDC says, is to be with people in your immediate household and avoid inviting guests to your celebration. And even if you take the activities outdoors, avoid large gatherings.

Hosting A Gathering

For those planning to host a family gathering, the CDC advises conversations with guests ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together. They also advise you to keep gatherings small with just family and friends who live in your community and have the meal outdoors. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and health officials are requesting residents to not have more than 25 persons per outdoor location and not to have more than 10 people at home (indoors) at any given time (see “Hunker Down” for more details. Click here). If the gathering must be indoors, be sure to open the windows for ventilation. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between uses. It is best to have guests bring their own food and drink. If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, such as plastic utensils. You can find other tips on how to safely host a gathering at this link.

Attending A Gathering

For those planning on attending a gathering, it is advised they bring their own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils. Wear a mask correctly 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 containers, plates, and utensils.

Travel

Traveling is discouraged as it increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. For those who do travel, however, the Prince George’s County Department of Health (PGCDOH) encourages reducing exposure to COVID-19 by driving your own vehicle and travel during non-peak times when there are likely to be fewer people. They also encourage awareness of the risk level of your destination – you can find the metrics at this link. Check travel restrictions before leaving. Some states require a quarantine period before and/or after travel, some require getting tested for the coronavirus prior to and/or after travel. Consider getting your flu shot before you travel to reduce the risk of contracting the flu (fall and winter months). Always wear a mask in public settings and on public transportation. Remember to stay at least six feet apart from anyone who is not part of your immediate household. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth, and sanitize hands frequently to reinforce clean hands and fingers when you do touch your face. Carry a small personal sanitizing kit that contains extra masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes. Do not travel if you are sick with fever, cough, or have other symptoms of COVID-19. Do not travel if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test, or have had close contact over the past 14 days with a person who has tested positive or has symptoms of COVID-19. If asked to quarantine, delay travel until after the full 14 days of quarantine, even if there are no symptoms. Those who test positive for COVID-19 while at their destination should isolate from others for a minimum of 14 days or after a negative test and delay return.

Overnight Guests

For those who plan to have or be an overnight guest, the PGCDOH suggests a conversation about what is expected ahead of time. Consider the health of those in your home and those visiting, including older adults and individuals with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness. Identify a room where an individual can isolate should they develop symptoms or test positive while visiting. Make sure everyone understands the importance of wearing a mask and social distancing. Ensure that soap and sanitizer are available, and clean frequently touched surfaces often throughout the course of the day. Find other important suggestions at this link.

Other Ways To Celebrate Together, While Apart

To ensure the health and wellbeing of all, consider other ways to celebrate together while staying apart this holiday season. Host or attend a virtual Thanksgiving celebration with those who don’t live with you. Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually. Have people share recipes and show their turkey, dressing, or other dishes they prepared. PGCDOH also suggests preparing traditional dishes and delivering them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, deliver to the porch). Participate in a gratitude activity, such as writing down things you are grateful for and share that with your friends and family.

This year may be nontraditional and the CDC guidelines may sound like a lot of restrictions, but one thing is for sure: we want to be at least thankful for our health and our family members, and staying home or being extra careful can help ensure that our loved ones are around for a (hopefully) more traditional Thanksgiving in 2021. That is another thing we’ll be thankful for.

Source: CDC, Prince George’s County Department of Health