Wondering what the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving is? Like so many other things in 2020, there are no simple answers. But there are ways to keep yourself and your guests safe during holiday gatherings. Bustle talked to four experts, including medical doctors, a public health specialist and an epidemiologist about how to safely attend a Thanksgiving party. They all point out that there are risks involved at any event and the safest way to celebrate is at home with your current household or going virtual on Zoom.
But if you’re willing to take some risk, this is what they recommend to lower the possibility of transmission and getting sick:
- Ask how many people will be there - The CDC doesn’t give a specific number, but they do recommend having a limited guest list at Thanksgiving to reduce the risk of exposure and make it easier to contact trace if anyone does get sick. These experts advise limiting your group to no more than three families and less than 10 people total who have kept their maskless interactions within their bubble.
- Celebrate outside if weather allows - The CDC also recommends outdoor gatherings for turkey day 2020, but if you have an inside event, try to keep doors or windows open to improve air circulation and use a HEPA air filter if you can.
- Consider how food will be served - Pot-luck style meals where several people are gathered around the same area at the same time isn’t great for physical distancing, so skip the buffet style and let the host plate the food to limit contact as much as possible.
- Socially distance as much as possible - Spacing everyone out is the name of the game this year, so instead of one big table, you could do several smaller ones for individual families.
- Wear your mask and encourage others to do the same - When asked how to safely celebrate, all four of these experts replied, “MASK UP.” Of course, you can’t eat and drink while wearing a mask, so you’ll be maskless during a lot of your Thanksgiving. But that’s where being outside, socially distanced and with people already in your bubble will help.
Source: Bustle