At This Thanksgiving, 5 Safe Ways To Share Thankfulness, Not COVID

Sharing in gratitude and sitting down for a big meal might be the crux of Thanksgiving, yet it could prove to be more challenging this year. Thanksgiving is typically a chance to gather with loved ones, yet one uninvited guest you may not need is COVID-19.

"Gathering with a large group outside of your immediate household for extended periods of time places you at higher danger of COVID-19 infection," said Helen Arnold, RN, a disease prevention specialist at Banner Desert Medical Center and Cardon Children's Medical Center. "Thus, you could spread the disease to other people."

That is the reason this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines for celebrating the holiday during the COVID-19 pandemic that may mean you'll need to put the kibosh on some of your yearly Thanksgiving traditions, for example, huge social events, football match, parades and Black Friday shopping.

A NEW SPIN ON THANKSGIVING

Because Thanksgiving won't be like it was in years past, doesn't mean your turkey day must be a snore—and that is not the tryptophan talking. Following CDC proposals, we've put together some safer ways to celebrate Thanksgiving along with extra tips for some of your other family traditions.

 

1. Think About A Small Family Dinner

This year consider keeping things basic with having a small dinner at home with members of your family. Make a little turkey and a few sides or order out from a local restaurant. Instead of dressing up, consider jeans or pjs. Then gather around the table together, enjoy some delicious food and take aside the time to celebrate one another and give gratitude.

First-Turkey-Timers Club? In the event that it's the first time you are taking a stab at roasting a turkey and everything on the side, have no fear. Here are some food safety tips so you can ensure a delicious and safe dinner this Thanksgiving.

 

2. Participate In An Outdoor Food Swap

Do you have your auntie's sweet potato casserole recipe you've been waiting to make all year? This could be the perfect time to try it out and share with others with an outdoor food swap. To do this:

• Gather together (virtually, of course!) and assign every family member, friend or neighbor a side dish.
• Prepare and package the dish in separate food storage containers to share.
• Timetable a drop-off or trade outside so everybody can gather the readied dishes.
• Take containers home, wipe them down with antibacterial wipes and wash hands prior reheating and sharing with your family. While there is no proof that the infection spreads to individuals through food, it is important to remember food safety and safe food handling.
• For loved ones who can’t leave their homes or who are at higher danger of severe illness from COVID-19, consider getting and conveying meals to their homes in a manner that doesn’t include contact with others.

3. Celebrate Virtually

Since travel increases the opportunity of COVID-19 transmission, celebrate virtually and share recipes with friends and family as a way to celebrate the holiday even if you’re miles apart. Set up your PC, tablet or telephone at the table and share a meal together as though you were there person.

4. Have A Small Outdoor Dinner (If Weather Permits, Obviously!)

If you live in an area where the weather is generally mild this time of year, at that point going outdoors with a small gathering for a Thanksgiving dinner is a moderate risk, as long as you follow these CDC suggestions:

• Set up tables outdoors with a lot of separation between them.
• Sit immediate households together at tables so there is no comingling with other household units.
• Do not attend if you or a member of your household is sick.
• Pre-plate food by designated individuals who are masked to avoid cross-contamination of serving utensils.
• When engaging with others outside of the dinner portion in close proximity, make sure everyone is masked at all times

For more tips for hosting outdoors, read the following recommendations from the CDC.

5. Rethinking Other Traditions

Food may take up a bulk of Thanksgiving, however there are other popular traditions that occur on this one Thursday in November. And many of them are higher danger. Here are a few different ways to rethink them.

 

Backyard Football

• High-Risk: Playing a game of football with your extended family and friends
• Low-Risk Alternative: Play a game of football with members of your family

 

Black Friday Shopping

• High-Risk: Shopping deals in crowded stores just before, on or after Thanksgiving
• Low-Risk Alternative: Shop online or wait for Cyber Monday deals

 

Parades and Sporting Events

• High-Risk: Watching in person as a spectator
• Low-Risk Alternative: Watch on TV or practically with loved ones

 

Movies

• High-Risk: Going to the movies
• Low-Risk Alternative: Find a movie On-Demand and watch from the comfort of your couch

 

Viewpoint

Let's face it: None of our favorite occasions will be a similar this year, however you can certainly make the best of them with these protected other options. They may even add new meaning to your vacation.

Ultimately, the choice to participate in risky or safer Thanksgiving activities is a personal one, however make sure to follow CDC rules to help ensure you and your friends and family are safe during this uncertain time. If you have questions or concerns, contact your health care provider to discuss your personal risk and any additional preventive measures.

"Furthermore, whatever way you decide to celebrate this year, remember to wash your hands," Arnold said.

For more information regarding COVID-19, visit https://maxcarehc.com/