Staying Safe At Thanksgiving

Press release from the City of Falls Church:

November 5, 2020

Posted on: November 5, 2020

Staying Safe at Thanksgiving

The following is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control.

Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Thanksgiving is a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Lower Risk Activities

• Having a small dinner with only people who live in your household.
• 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 doesn’t involve contact with others.
• Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family.
• Shopping online rather than in person on the day.
• Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home.

Moderate Risk Activities

• Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community. Wear masks and keep at least 6 feet distance apart.
• Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.
• Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing.
• Attending a small outdoor sports events with safety precautions in place.

Higher Risk Activities

Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:

• Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving;
• Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race;
• Attending crowded parades;
• Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors; and
• Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household.

This press release was produced by the City of Falls Church. The views expressed are the author's own.