After months of following COVID-19 guidelines, a family in Texas “let their guard down” for a day. All 12 got sick.

Alexa Aragonez said her family took pride in following COVID-19 precautions for months before a dozen of them gathered on November 1 for a “low-key” meeting.

Now the family is warning others not to make the same mistake.

Within days, all participants had tested positive, and soon three other family members fell ill as well.

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Weeks later, the family is still reeling from the outbreak and those who are sick are still suffering from symptoms, Aragonez told USA TODAY. His mother, one of those present, was hospitalized for a week and could take medicine for the rest of her life due to the damage caused by the virus.

“Please don’t be like my family and ignore CDC guidelines. By staying apart, we can fight this virus together,” Aragonez said in a public service announcement issued by the City of Arlington, in Texas, his employer.

Several family members joined her in the video to echo the same message: encouraging listeners to wear a mask, maintain social distancing and wash their hands.

It’s an example of how easily the virus can spread, even in a family that has made a habit of staying home and wearing masks.

“My family has taken great care… taking every precaution except picking is not enough,” Aragonez said. “My family learned the hard way.”

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The virus likely made its way to the rally through a family member whose job required him to work outside his home, Aragonez said. This family member attended the event with symptoms that she said were just allergies.

© Courtesy of Alexa Aragonez
Alexa Aragonez says more than a dozen family members were sick with COVID-19 after a family reunion on November 1. Members of his family are pictured here at a previous rally.

According to an account of the event published by the Washington Post, family members did not intend to congregate inside but were relapsing into old habits, including not wearing masks as they ate. cakes and fajitas.

“I really think people are letting their guard down,” said Aragonez, who did not attend the event due to another engagement but drove his mother there.

The family has a new Thanksgiving plan: Those who aren’t sick cook on their own, then drop the food off with other family members for contactless delivery.

The family “will all eat the same food but separately,” Aragonez said.

Aragonez hopes others in the country find their own ways to celebrate the holidays creatively and safely.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After months of following COVID-19 guidelines, a family in Texas “let their guard down” for a day. All 12 got sick.