The CDC is asking Americans to avoid travel this Thanksgiving

Nov 20 2020, 4:09 pm

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to do all they can to avoid travel this Thanksgiving and limit gatherings to those in one’s own household.

Amid climbing COVID-19 cases across the country, including record-breaking numbers in some cities, the public health agency is providing guidance and requesting that the public ask themselves questions before considering traveling.

Amongst the recommendations, the CDC asks: do you live with or are planning to visit anyone who is at increased risk of getting very sick from COVID-19? Are cases increasing in your community, and are your community’s hospitals overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients? Do your plans include travelling by bus, train, or flight where it will be difficult to maintain social distancing?

An answer of “yes” to any of these means it’s best to reconsider and settle for a virtual gathering.

“As COVID-19 cases increase rapidly across the United States, the safest way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday is at home with people who live with you. Avoid gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you,” the CDC said in a tweet yesterday.

In general, this Thanksgiving, the public is also asked to stay true to previously mandated COVID-19 guidelines; wearing a mask with two or more layers, washing your hands thoroughly and often, and staying at least six feet apart from those not in your household.

If you choose to attend a gathering, the CDC recommends bringing your own food, drinks, plates and cutlery, amongst other things. Additional guidelines are posted for those who wish to host small gatherings outside — you can read all of the agency’s Thanksgiving recommendations here.

These recommendations come as the spread of coronavirus in the United States becomes more dire: the country is nearing 11.5 million cases, according to the CDC, including more than one million cases reported in the last week alone. Average daily cases are up 43% compared to the previous week.

Ben BarakBen Barak

+ News
+ Coronavirus
ADVERTISEMENT