Most of us are asking ourselves if it is even possible to share Thanksgiving 2020 with family and friends in light of the current pandemic. Extreme caution should be taken and there are certain things to consider when planning your Thanksgiving holiday. The Today Show had a great segment recently, featuring NBC News Medical Correspondent, Dr. John Torres, who gave some great recommendations and advice on how to celebrate while attempting to stay safe and healthy in the middle of the pandemic. With emphasis on the fact that it’s not too early to start thinking ahead!
Here are a few of his thoughts and some information from the CDC. The safest way to celebrate is to make sure and have some basic ground rules, and everyone must agree.
Protect Yourself and Those Around You
Traditionally, we would be greeting each other with hugs and kisses and coming into close contact with everyone around the holiday table. Thanksgiving 2020 will look a little different. This season will bring a change in proximity. Instead of a buffet-style meal, consider someone serving each plate at the dinner table, eliminating the risk of spreading germs.
Take a close look at those who are at high risk, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Keep in mind how you can keep them extra protected.
Plan Ahead for Travel
Take a look at how are people traveling. Are they arriving in from hot spots? Are they driving and making multiple stops along the way? Each stop is an increased risk of exposure.
Where will family stay while in town? Lots of families staying together in the same house poses increased health risks.
Safety First
Wear masks, implement social distancing, visit for short period of times, and follow state and local guidelines.
Keep the windows open, remember social distancing throughout the meal, and celebrate outside when possible. Don’t offer food buffet style this year. Designate one person to serve to limit the number of exposures.
Before you hit the road, look at your route, get tested, self-quarantine, monitor your symptoms, and check travel restrictions where you might have to quarantine for 14 days.
Remember to Social Distance
Participate in lower-risk activities. Instead of playing your annual touch football game, find alternatives such as taking a walk, riding a bike or something you can share in open space without physical contact. If your routine was to go out the next day and holiday shop, change it to an online shopping day instead.
Avoid large dinner parties with people from different households and steer clear from large gatherings and indoor celebrations with singing and loud chanting.
You may also like Discussing Politics Around the Thanksgiving Table. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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