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Experts at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Maryland offer advice on Thanksgiving gatherings and trips.
The holidays that typically bring parents of all ages together for a meal can be very different this year, as COVID-19 cases increase across the country.
People are considering whether or not to hold traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with turkey and side dishes or travel for the holidays, and experts at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health are offering advice on both.
Dr Amesh Adalja, senior researcher at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said families planning in-person events should understand a few things in advance.
“What is the risk tolerance of everyone who goes there? Are there people with high risk factors for serious illness? And is everyone on the same page before leaving? »Said Adalja. “Any student who returns home – for the most part – should be considered a high risk contact.”
Gathering outdoors is safer than indoors, but if you have to be indoors, Adalja said you should make sure you have enough space for social distancing. He suggests creating areas where people who live in the same household can sit next to each other. Then, other family members who wish to interact with them can put on masks or face shields before doing so.
“Bringing your own food and keeping some distance between yourself and other households would be a really important way to help reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus,” said Keri Althoff, associate professor in the department of epidemiology.
Another crucial thing if everyone is inside: air circulation.
“Open the window; turn on the fans; increase the ventilation. Turn on your central air conditioning or heater for continuous circulation and remind guests that they may need to dress in layers as there might be drafts. air, ”Althoff said.
With Thanksgiving less than two weeks away, Althoff said those planning in-person gatherings should already limit contact with other people to reduce the chances of catching COVID-19 before the big day.
There is also a lot to consider if you want to travel for Thanksgiving.
“Review state policies for quarantining visitors from other states, and also be aware of your home state’s policies on quarantining for your return, as well as the policies of your employer, your day care provider and your school, ”said Althoff.
When considering the safest way to travel, Althoff said you should ask a bus, train, or airline if they are running at full capacity and if there will be an empty seat or some sort. space between you and other travelers. Also ask what other coronavirus-related precautions the company is taking, and read reviews online from people who have recently used the services of these companies.
“Driving in a personal vehicle can be less risky than stealing or taking a bus or train,” Althoff said.
A recent study funded by the airline industry found that air circulation in planes keeps the risk of coronavirus low, but to get on board you may face long queues at airports. congested airports and shuttles, which increases your risk.
“While the evidence suggests that the air circulated in planes is not the greatest threat, crowded airports with many high-contact surfaces are at high risk,” Althoff said.
Traveling for Thanksgiving is really not a good idea, Adalja said, if you live in an area with a lot of coronavirus cases and restrictions. He suggests making alternative plans.
Althoff said if you decide to celebrate in a different way, figure out how to make the vacation meaningful.
“Make sure that the different households you connect to on a virtual platform share the same dish, or maybe you create maps for the ones you can’t see in person. Maybe you have a driving parade to greet the grandparents, ”she said. “Remember we will be telling stories of this vacation for generations to come, so make sure you do something memorable.”
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