Thanksgiving is one of the most delicious days of the year, and a wonderful time to celebrate the people closest to you.
Many people are used to visiting others outside their households during this time of year. As we approach the holidays, it’s important to think about the best ways to keep our loved ones and our communities safe as we celebrate. The COVID-19 pandemic changes a lot about our lives, and the holidays are no exception. The best way to celebrate the people we care about most right now is to keep them safe by not interacting with them in person. About 40 percent of people infected with COVID-19 do not have symptoms and may not know they’re infected, but can still spread the virus to their loved ones, putting them at risk of serious illness or death.
This year is an opportunity to re-imagine what togetherness can look like. Colorado is currently seeing an alarming number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. In order to keep our loved ones safe, we will need to celebrate Thanksgiving differently this season. Staying home and celebrating with your immediate household, or celebrating with friends and family virtually, is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this year.
Just because we keep physical distance doesn’t mean we have to be distant in other ways. There are many creative things you can do to make those closest to you feel loved this Thanksgiving while making sure they stay healthy for many more seasons to come.
It’s up to you to stay safe, not only for yourself, but for your family, friends, and community. Here are some more ideas about how to enjoy a joyous, festive, and safer Thanksgiving.
Top 3 things to remember this Thanksgiving:
- Only interact in-person with people from your household (defined as those who normally live and sleep under the same roof).
- Refrain from traveling. Celebrate virtually with the people who don’t live with you.
- Wear a mask and keep your distance while grocery shopping for your Thanksgiving feast. Plan ahead and limit to one trip.
We don’t recommend celebrating Thanksgiving in-person with people who don’t live with you this year. If you must attend an in-person celebration with other households, know that you are putting yourself, your family, and your community at risk. The best precaution is to only celebrate at home, but if you must gather in person, consider ways to lower your risk of spreading COVID-19 as much as possible:
- Interacting with just one other household in your local community with 10 or fewer total guests.
- Eating dinner outside where airflow makes transmission less likely.
- Wearing a mask whenever you are near anyone who doesn’t live with you, except to eat and drink.
- Keeping 6 feet or more of distance from anyone who doesn’t live with you.
- Designating a food server who wears a mask while filling guests’ plates. Avoid buffet-style serving.
- Having each household bring and eat their own food from home.
- Quarantining for 14 days before interacting with another household and 14 days after returning home.
When shopping for holiday gifts this year, consider taking advantage of online sales, home delivery, and curbside pick-up rather than visiting crowded stores. Shop at local Colorado businesses to support the state’s economy this holiday season.
COVID-19 is currently spreading at an alarming rate throughout the United States. The safest thing to do right now is to stay home. Airport terminals, bus stations, train stations, rest stops, and hotel lobbies are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus. These are also places where it can be hard to keep your distance from others. If you must travel, take as many precautions as possible to reduce your risk of catching or spreading the virus.
Keep in mind that you may need to isolate or quarantine away from home if you become sick or are exposed to COVID-19 while traveling. You will not be able to travel across state lines while in isolation or quarantine.
See all Thanksgiving guidelines on our website at https://covid19.colorado.gov/thanksgiving. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.