Most In Ohio Plan Thanksgiving Within Own Household: Patch Survey

OHIO — Most Ohioans plan to spend Thanksgiving celebrating within only the people in their own household as coronavirus cases spike in the state and across the country and public health officials urge Americans to keep their gatherings small and refrain from traveling, according to a Patch survey.

The survey, which appeared this week in questionnaire form, is not meant to be a scientific poll but only give a broad idea of public sentiment.

And while the majority of the nearly 300 respondents said they planned to celebrate within their own household (66.8 percent) or plan on celebrating virtually (5.6 percent), some respondents (18.7 percent) still planned on celebrating with those outside their own household.

Some respondents also shared more details about why they were limiting their plans this year.

"I normally have family here and I cook and bake. This year, I am not having anyone over. The world won't come to an end if we wait and celebrate it next year the way I usually do," one reader said.

One respondent said they were ending a three-decade tradition of eating together to protect their family.

"It would be devastating to bring our entire family together, only to learn later that someone had sickened, or died, and that we could never see them again at the holidays, or ever. The virus doesn't care if you want to be with your family, it's very willing to be one of the guests and spread through your family. We'll have a Zoom get-together and see the family's smiling faces remotely this year. It's worth it!" the respondent wrote.

Another reader said they would also be canceling their regular plans. "We normally travel to extended family about 100 miles away. This year, everyone that typically goes has decided to stay safe and stay home. I hope more people will adopt this attitude," they said.

But not all Ohioans plan to abandon their traditions due to the virus.

"Celebrating normally with one sister and her kids and grandkids, about 9 adults and 5 kids," one respondent said.

Another said they were "tired of the fearmongering."

To try and curb COVID-19's spread in Ohio, and protect the state's over-taxed hospitals, Gov. Mike DeWine has issued a stricter mask mandate, implemented a statewide curfew, and is urging Ohioans to stay home and celebrate Thanksgiving within their household.

Respondents to Patch's survey also overwhelmingly said they were concerned about how Thanksgiving will contribute to a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Respondents also agreed that those celebrating with people outside of their households should wear face masks.