Thanksgiving During the Covid Pandemic

Case of Covid-19 are going up as 2020 is winding down. State governments are cracking down on social gatherings in a bid to keep hospitals running smoothly as the holidays approach.  In response to the third wave of Covid-19 (or depending on who you ask, the first wave that never ended), states are renewing their restrictions on travel.

For instance, the West Coast states, California, Oregon, and Washington, have issued travel advisories limiting travel to essential travel, such as “work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care and safety and security.” New Mexico is again ordering the shutdown of nonessential businesses for two weeks. Non-essential businesses that don’t comply face a fine of up to $5,000 per day.

The restrictions will place renewed stress on a nation already fatigued with pandemic stress. However, these restrictions are unlikely to end until Covid cases are down, especially if intensive care units are reporting a flood of new Covid cases. While the new vaccines are promising, distribution will take time. Below are suggestions for a safe Thanksgiving while enjoying the holidays with your family:

A Safe Thanksgiving

Americans are undoubtedly frustrated with the lack of progress with Covid and tired of all the restrictions, but there are safe options to enjoy Thanksgiving with loved ones.

1. Outdoor Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in the backyard may a reasonable alternative depending on the weather. Transmission of Covid is harder outdoors than indoors especially if people are still maintaining social distance and wearing a mask when preparing or handling food.

2. Small Thanksgiving

If the location for Thanksgiving is too chilly to go outside, think about how many guests you want to invite. Indeed, this may not only be a safe option, but a legal one as well. California is prohibiting private gatherings of more than three households and Colorado has limited the size of personal gatherings to no more 10 people total. On the bright side, you have a great excuse to uninvite your crazy uncle from this year’s Thanksgiving.

It will be next to impossible for law enforcement these kinds of rules unless a neighbor files a complaint. But if you have a neighbor complaint, there’s a good chance you’re in violation of a local noise or nuisance ordinance anyway.

3. Ventilated Thanksgiving

If you have to be indoors with a crowd of guests, at least keep it ventilated. Open the windows, crack on the fans, turn on the air purifiers – keep the air circulating.

4. Remote Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving by zoom is the safest option. No traveling and no exposure. Best of all, you can leave anytime without having to explain yourself. You and your guests will be chained to a computer or a phone, but that’s life in the 21^st century anyway.

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