Staying Safe this Thanksgiving
It has been eight months since most of the United States went into some form of lockdown to try and flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19. Since then, a lot has changed, from work and school schedules to social and political issues to how we interact with our friends and family—if at all. As 2020 comes to a close, it may be tempting to gather with your loved ones and celebrate the holidays the way you always have, trying to maintain some semblance of tradition. However, it is still important to make sure you are taking precautions and staying safe.
The easiest way to do so is by avoiding in-person gatherings, especially if you or someone in your household is high-risk. You may feel bad or guilty for missing out on annual celebrations, but in the end, your own health comes first—remember, there are so many ways to show thanks and gratefulness that don’t require you to meet face-to-face! CNN has a helpful article on how to politely decline invitations here.
If you choose to meet in-person, consider holding a socially-distanced dinner outdoors or limiting the number of people attending. Current CDC guidelines classify activities involving non-virtual contact between different households as moderate- to high-risk, so washing your hands frequently, wearing masks, limiting travel, and maintaining a 6-foot difference from others is imperative to lower your risk of contracting the virus. Most importantly, stay at home if you think you were exposed or are experiencing symptoms and self-isolate if someone in your group tests positive afterward.
There are many things you can do to still enjoy this Thanksgiving, even under atypical circumstances. For example, video-chatting friends and family is a great way to catch up and spend time together without worrying about exposure. You can even all cook the same dish or play a game virtually! Find some more ideas for a “2020-esque” Thanksgiving here.
MD COVIDSitters is dedicated to helping the families of essential workers in the DMV Area during the COVID-19 pandemic. They offer a variety of services, including childcare and errands—so if you have a last-minute grocery order for Thanksgiving dinner, MDCS is the place to call! All volunteers associated with MDCS are required to pass a background check and childcare program developed by the Minnesota Department of Health before starting, making them an incredibly safe and reliable organization.
Learn more about MD COVIDsitters and sign up for their services here.
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