Not even a global pandemic can cancel the Thanksgiving holiday, but you can expect it to be different this year.
Medical experts still recommend that everyone take steps to limit the spread of COVID-19. That includes reducing unnecessary travel, maintaining social distancing and avoiding indoor, crowded spaces.
It’s important to have conversations with your family members and friends now to understand each other’s concerns about COVID, underlying health risks and comfort levels. Different activities carry different levels of risk.
“Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a bore this year,” says Mark Mariani, MD, Chief Medical Officer of MultiCare Indigo Urgent Care. “There are fun ways to stay safe and keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.”
Our team at Indigo Urgent Care shared some of their plans and favorite ideas to safely celebrate:
- Visit an outdoor pumpkin patch or fruit orchard as a small group. When you head home, you can bake desserts or make crafts to swap and share with other households.
- Host an outdoor cookout. Depending on the weather in Washington, you will want to plan for a “drive thru” meal distribution or have heaters available!
- Divide and conquer! Assign dishes to different households. Each household can send the recipe and grocery list (or send delivery!), so you can all share the same meal and catch up over video call.
Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others, but if you must travel, be aware of the risks involved and make an informed decision that is best for your family.
If you plan on celebrating in-person and indoors, you may want to get creative with seating arrangements, designate a food server, wear masks when not eating or drinking, and keep it small.
“There are many factors in evaluating the risk of your celebration,” Dr. Mariani continues. “Consider high-risk family members, community transmission rates, and your ability to self-isolate and get tested before committing to an in-person celebration.”
Even though you may be getting burned out on COVID-19 precautions, remember it’s important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your face.
If you or anyone in your household have symptoms of COVID-19, monitor your health from home and avoid any gatherings until symptoms subside for several days or until you get tested and receive negative test results.
Indigo Urgent Care is here for your families this holiday season. Open every day 8 am to 8 pm, including Thanksgiving Day.
