California And CDC Urge Against Big Holiday Gatherings, Travel

CALIFORNIA — California has never been in "lockdown" or "quarantine" amid the coronavirus pandemic. While many businesses and sectors have undergone major changes like serving patrons outdoors or, worse, closure, Golden State residents have been asked to follow three basic safety protocols — face masks, social distancing and frequent hand-washing.

Rising coronavirus cases and hospitalizations across the state indicate fatigue may have set in. While most businesses and sectors (not all) are complying with the protocols, it can be a mixed bag when it comes to private citizens. Nearly everyone wears a face mask inside grocery stores, but many people are gathering on weekends and many have upcoming Thanksgiving party plans — and this has state and local health officials nervous.

With the recent rise in coronavirus cases and COVID-19 hospitalizations, state health officials are urging residents to limit possible exposure to the virus by reducing the number of people they have contact with during Thanksgiving. If people do meet during the holiday, officials ask that groups are kept small and separate, even within a household.

Keeping gatherings to no more than an hour or two, and eating and socializing outdoors with household members seated away from other households are recommended protocols.

In addition to the basics of face masks, social distancing and hand-washing for everyone, hosts should offer plenty of hand sanitizer and there should be no sharing of utensils. Read the California Department of Public Health holiday guidance here.

In Los Angeles County where coronavirus cases and COVID-19-related deaths are highest in the state, local health officials have repeatedly urged residents to avoid Thanksgiving travel.

Adding its voice to those of Los Angeles County and California health authorities, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Thursday officially urged people to stay home for Thanksgiving and avoid traveling.

The federal agency noted in guidance released Thursday that more than 1 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the United States over the past week, stressing that amid such an increase, "the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with."

The CDC's guidance states that traveling "may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19," adding that "postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year."

The state of California last week issued a travel advisory, urging residents to avoid traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday. It also urged people who do travel to quarantine themselves for 14 days upon their return. It also urged people who visit the state from other states and countries to do the same.

Riverside County has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in the state behind Los Angeles County.

"We understand the desire to celebrate the holidays with loved ones, so consider these three steps — [smaller, shorter, safer] — that could help reduce the chance of virus spread if you decide to get together," said Kim Saruwatari, director of the Riverside University Health System - Public Health. "Smaller, shorter, safer could really help slow the spread of the virus."

Riverside County, like the rest of California, has seen a jump in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and the use of ICU beds over the last few weeks.

"Coronavirus is unfortunately rising rapidly in Riverside County, and around our state and nation," said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. "Let's be careful and protect ourselves and our loved ones and follow these public health messages."