Loudoun Health Director Offers Guidance For A Safe Thanksgiving

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Loudoun County Health Department is offering guidance for residents on how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during Thanksgiving and rest of the holiday season, especially as positive case numbers continue to increase in the county and across the state.

Celebrating virtually or only with members within a household poses the lowest risk for spread of the coronavirus, according to the health department.

“It is important that Loudoun residents consider the impact of the coronavirus on our festivities this year,” Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said Tuesday in a statement. “The potential for the virus to spread through traditional holiday activities is high and so I urge caution to keep your families safe over Thanksgiving and throughout this holiday season.”

Residents also should consider preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that does not involve contact with others. On the day after Thanksgiving, residents should consider shopping online rather than in person.

To help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Loudoun County Health Department does not recommend participating in these high-risk activities:

• Outdoor gatherings with family and friends in a community.
• Vising pumpkin patches and orchards.
• Attending outdoor or indoor sports events.
• Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside your household.
• Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving.
• Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race.
• Attending crowded parades.

“There are a number of factors that increase the risk of getting infected and spreading the virus to others,” Goodfriend said. “These include the level of COVID-19 transmission in a community and whether events are indoors in places with poor ventilation for a longer durations of time, and the number of people gathering; considering these impacts in your holiday planning will help reduce your risk.”