Overview

This year’s Thanksgiving celebration might be unlike any other we’ve had in the past. With rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases across the country, large gatherings are still highly discouraged. What happened recently in Canada, where a surge in COVID cases was reported days after their Thanksgiving on October 11, is an excellent reminder of why all of us should take precautions seriously, even as we celebrate the season.

How exactly can you celebrate without throwing caution to the wind when it comes to the virus? Here are some helpful tips on how you can have a fun yet safe Thanksgiving celebration during the pandemic:

1. Celebrate Only With Your Household

We strongly advise that you avoid going over to someone else’s house or inviting other people into yours. Even if it’s just a small group, contact with people outside your household still brings a higher risk of exposure. Staying at home and limiting your interactions with those in your bubble remains the safest option. 

If, however, you decide to hold or attend a small gathering, it’s still important to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, practice proper hand hygiene, and follow the guidelines and protocols laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

2. Host a Virtual Get-Together

We’re all holding meetings, classes, and even doctor visits virtually. Why not a Thanksgiving party? While video calls could never fully replace the intimacy of face-to-face interactions, with a little creativity and imagination, there are plenty of things you can do to spice up your virtual Thanksgiving celebration.

For starters, you can prepare a game that everyone can participate in. Whether it’s cards, puzzles, board games, or even online games like Skribbl, there’s always a way to make your virtual party just as fun as an in-person one. 

Just as you would generally go around the room to ask what everyone is thankful for, you can still do the same virtually. You can even make it more engaging by turning it into charades, where everyone has to guess what it is you’re thankful for.

3. Avoid Traveling

According to the CDC, traveling increases the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19, especially if the area you’re from or going to has a high number of cases. Not to mention that a lot of regions across the US are imposing strict travel restrictions. That’s why all of us at Allmed strongly recommend against traveling while the pandemic still poses a serious threat to public health.

If you do choose to travel, though, it’s best to drive and avoid public transportation. It’s also important to strictly follow the usual precautions like wearing a mask, staying six feet apart from others, and proper hand hygiene.

4. Get Tested Ahead of Time

This tip would apply to those who are adamant about seeing their friends and family this Thanksgiving. It’s your responsibility to keep yourself and those around you safe at all times. So before you see your loved ones, get tested first and advise them to do the same. 

While far from a perfect answer, given that you could contract the virus at any point after your test, it is better than not getting tested at all. Even with a negative test, it is still important to exercise caution, social distancing, and wear a mask.

Keeping Our Community Healthy

For many people across the country, Thanksgiving is a meaningful tradition, and seeing our families after months spent in quarantine has never felt more appealing. That’s why we understand the frustration of having to deal with all these impediments this year. In the face of a pandemic, however, the health and safety of our community are paramount. 

It may be tough to count our blessings considering the adverse effects the pandemic has had on all of us, but maintaining a positive attitude and outlook is still vital, especially for our health. As tempting as it is to see the glass half empty, let’s all remember everything we have to be thankful for and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.