RIers Encouraged To Stay Local This Holiday Season

PROVIDENCE, RI — Halloween is fast approaching in Rhode Island, and all residents are encouraged to rein in their celebrations, keeping trick-or-treating short and canceling any and all parties. It marks the beginning of the holiday season, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's all following in quick succession.

Although Thanksgiving may still feel awhile away, it's important to plan ahead this year, Gov. Gina Raimondo said. Unlike years past, she and her family plan to stay local for Thanksgiving instead of traveling out-of-state, and she encouraged all Rhode Islanders to do the same, especially avoid airplane or train travel.

Over the summer, Rhode Island saw small spikes in cases a few weeks after holidays, showing that virus transmission occurred at family gatherings and parties. To avoid a chain reaction of compounding outbreaks throughout the holiday season, the governor encouraged all residents to keep their celebrations small and safe this year.

"This is not the year to have a huge Thanksgiving with 10 or 12 people," Raimondo said.

Instead, Rhode Islanders are encouraged to keep their Thanksgiving dinners limited to their immediate family, avoiding large, extended family gatherings.

Tips for celebrating Thanksgiving safely

• Keep gatherings small.
• Wear a mask before and after eating, and maintain social distance whenever possible.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Avoid shared utensils and buffet-style serving.
• If possible, keep windows open to allow for airflow.
• Limit the length of the gathering to just a few hours instead of all day.