Coronavirus Won’t Stop Many Americans From Attending Large Holiday Gatherings, Poll Says



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With a big vacation coming at the end of 2020, medical experts fear Americans traveling for family reunions on days like Thanksgiving or Christmas could spread COVID-19.

Almost 40% of Americans will likely attend a rally with 10 people, according to a new national survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. And a third of them wouldn’t ask guests to wear masks.

The findings come as new cases of the coronavirus are on the rise across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 143,000 new cases on Wednesday alone, and the virus has so far infected more than 10 , 3 million Americans and killed more than 241,000.

Salt Lake County Health Department nurses monitor coronavirus testing outside the Salt Lake County Health Department on Thursday.  (AP Photo / Rick Bowmer)

Salt Lake County Health Department nurses monitor coronavirus testing outside the Salt Lake County Health Department on Thursday. (AP Photo / Rick Bowmer)

THANKSGIVING PIE DEBATE ON PRONUNCIATION OF “ PECAN ” RESOLVED

The CDC recommends precautions like wearing a mask and keeping at least 6 feet socially away from people you don’t live with. But as the weather cools, gatherings are forced inside, where the virus can more easily spread, officials warn.

Dr Iahn Gonsenhauser, head of quality and patient safety at OSU Wexner Medical Center, said in a written statement that vacation meetings could be the main conditions for the spread of the virus.

“When you are gathered around the table, engaged in conversation, sitting less than 6 feet away with your masks down, even in a small group, this is when the spread of this virus can really happen.” , said Gonsenhauser.

The CDC recommends precautions like wearing a mask and social distancing of at least six feet from people you don't live with.  (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)

The CDC recommends precautions like wearing a mask and social distancing of at least six feet from people you don’t live with. (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)

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The safest solution is to cancel plans in person and celebrate virtually, according to Gonsenhauser, although he acknowledged that this is not what people want to hear.

For anyone who chooses to have guests, he recommended setting up a security plan and explaining it to everyone present. For example, anyone can wear masks at any time, seats can be arranged and separated by housekeeping, and food service can be limited to one or two people.

It is also important to keep abreast of coronavirus rates and restrictions in all areas from which out-of-town guests will come, Gosenhauser says.

“If you have someone in your household who is at high risk and you are in a low incidence area, you are going to want to think twice before having a party where people are coming from an area where there is. has a lot of viruses in the community, ”he said.

Gonsenhauser suggested trying new traditions this year, like hosting a virtual dinner party or putting surprises on the front doors of loved ones.  (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)

Gonsenhauser suggested trying new traditions this year, like hosting a virtual dinner party or putting surprises on the front doors of loved ones. (Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center)

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The pandemic could add headaches to those traveling on vacation. Many states have instituted travel restrictions that require arriving people to be tested for COVID-19 or to be quarantined for two weeks. Some communities have also increased restrictions on non-essential businesses, as the number of viruses has increased again.

Gonsenhauser suggested trying new traditions this year, like hosting a virtual dinner party or putting surprises on the front doors of loved ones.

He said: “We’re going to go back to what happened during this season and ask ourselves, ‘Have we been part of the solution or have we been part of the problem?’ ‘

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