Thanksgiving during COVID-19
Prior to 2020, nearly 47 million people would take planes, trains and automobiles across the United States to spend Thanksgiving with their families. But due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, families must change their holiday plans to protect themselves and others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises Americans to recognize the risks of large family gatherings and to seek out lower-risk alternatives to celebrate the holiday. Here are some of their recommendations.
- Host a small dinner with only the people who live in your household.
- Prepare traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Deliver them in a contact-free way.
- Host a virtual dinner and share recipes with friends and family.
- Shop online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the following Monday.
- Watch special holiday occasions, sports events, parades and movies from home.
According to the CDC, the incubation period for COVID-19 is up to 14 days after infection. Symptoms most often occur 4-5 days after exposure. The incubation period is the time between when a person was infected with the virus to when they first show symptoms.
The Memorial Medical Center Foundation moved their popular holiday tradition Festival of Trees to an online format to limit community spread of COVID-19. The virtual format will allow people to view beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, vote on their favorites, and order event apparel – all from the safety of home.
Memorial Health System is thankful for the community’s efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19
Download a COVID-19 recommendations handout to share with family, friends, community members, employees and others. Following the handout recommendations can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 information from Memorial Health System at ChooseMemorial.org/covid19.
Have a Virtual Gathering
Below are some tutorials from popular platforms to host your virtual gathering with family and friends this holiday:
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