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The holidays are just around the corner – and COVID-19 is also close and relentless. The country has recorded more than a million new cases in the past 10 days, and hospitalizations reached a record high of 67,096 on Thursday.
Experts warn that in the coming winter months, epidemics are likely to worsen, especially in areas of the country that have not been able to control infections. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday that the city is issuing a 30-day COVID-19 stay-at-home notice that will take effect on Monday, November 16. The mayor also urged residents to “cancel traditional Thanksgiving plans” and stay home as cases continue to rise in the city.
“Death is not going to take a vacation this season. We’re going to see an increasing number of serious illnesses and deaths over the next three to four weeks, ”Dr. Tom Frieden, former CDC director and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, told Yahoo News.
Frieden, who was director of the CDC from 2009 to 2017 during the H1N1, Ebola and Zika emergencies, says the growing number of infections across the United States is alarming, especially as the holiday season approaches, when more people often travel by air and congregate indoors. .
According to the CDC, most viruses and other germs don’t spread easily on flights because of the way the air is circulated and filtered in planes. However, because social distancing is difficult on congested flights and travelers often sit within six feet of others, sometimes for hours, flying can increase the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Johns Hopkins University data shows the United States reached its highest single-day infection total (over 153,000) on Thursday, as well as its highest ever seven-day average for new infections. daily (over 131,000).
“The numbers are not set in stone,” Frieden told Yahoo News. He said it was possible to make a difference if people followed effective mitigation strategies, such as avoiding gatherings as much as possible and wearing masks and social distancing when around other people who are not. not from the same household.
After eight months, many Americans are exhausted from following these steps to control the virus. Many can’t wait to celebrate the family vacation. But health experts say we are at a pivotal moment in the pandemic and sacrifices and adjustments will be needed to control the spread and prevent more deaths. Families will need to weigh the risks and benefits of having family reunions. These events, experts say, have become a significant contributor to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
In Canada, where National Thanksgiving was celebrated this year on October 12, some health officials said new outbreaks of COVID-19 after the holidays were likely linked to Thanksgiving celebrations and gatherings. Canada’s push after Thanksgiving could serve as an uplifting tale for us here in the United States
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to get together with other people outside your home, health experts say the decision should be based on factors such as the health risks of those present, the level of precautions taken by guests, quantity and nature. the travel required to get there, as well as the size and location of the vacation gathering.
Dr Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading infectious disease specialist, said his family, for example, had to make the difficult but necessary decision to celebrate from afar. “I would love to have it with my kids, but my kids are in three separate states across the country, and for them to get here they would all have to go to an airport, get on a plane, and travel with the public. transport, ”he told CBS News in an interview last month.
“They, because of their concern for me and my age, have decided not to come home for Thanksgiving, even though the three of them really want to come home for Thanksgiving,” he added.
To help Americans prepare for these adjustments to their vacation plans amid the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released updated guidelines this week for the holiday celebrations. As Thanksgiving approaches, the new focus ranks a number of popular Thanksgiving activities based on their level of risk, emphasizing that the safest option is to celebrate virtually or only with people in your household.
Shopping online rather than in person and watching parades or sporting events at home are also activities that have a lower risk of spread.
For those planning to spend Thanksgiving with people outside their household, the CDC recommends that these gatherings preferably take place outside. If that is not possible, Yahoo News medical contributor Dr Kavita Patel says then consider a location with “at least windows open to promote as good an air circulation environment as possible.”
Participants who are not in your household should be encouraged to keep a distance of 6 feet, wear a properly fitted mask when not eating, and wash their hands often.
Regarding food and drink, although the CDC makes it clear that there is currently “no evidence to suggest that food handling or consumption is associated with the direct spread of COVID-19,” l The agency noted that “it is important to track foods. safety practices to reduce the risk of illness from common food germs. “
Some of the recommendations for holiday meals include avoiding potluck-type gatherings, encouraging guests to bring their own food and utensils, and that hosts wear a mask when preparing or serving food for people. outside their homes.
Patel says take-out meals are also a great option, but if that’s not possible, it’s recommended that one person wearing a mask serve all the food to prevent multiple people from handling the serving utensils.
If you want to feel more comfortable and reduce your chances of contracting COVID-19, Patel recommends quarantining yourself before the rally. “If you plan to invite people who are traveling from another part of the country, or if you are traveling to another part of the country, consider having your own quarantine, at least 14 days where you stay at home and avoiding other people and places so that you can ensure you are infection free. ”
The updated CDC guidelines do not mention a specific cap for participants, but say that all participants should have enough room to stay 6 feet apart. Keep in mind that each state may have collection limits or other specific rules, so you should check what they are in your state and stick to them.
The CDC has pointed out that travel increases people’s chances of contracting and spreading COVID-19, but Patel says if travel is in your plans, you can reduce your risk of infection by taking as many precautions as possible. Some of these include avoiding using public toilets, avoiding touching handles without washing your hands, and wearing properly fitted face masks.
Finally, Patel told Yahoo News that while the nation received some promising news on the vaccine front this week, people shouldn’t let their guard down.
Pfizer and Biotech announced on Monday that initial data from their COVID-19 vaccine trial showed their vaccine to be highly effective. But experts have warned that we should be cautiously excited as key information about the vaccine is not yet available and the Phase III study is still ongoing.
Frieden also said people need to understand that the virus will be with us for a while, even after a vaccine is obtained. “A vaccine will not end this pandemic like a fairy tale.” he said
“Make no mistake. Some of these things won’t be available to all Americans anytime soon; the best thing we can do today is continue with mitigation. It means wearing a mask, it means stay away when possible and wash your hands, ”Patel said.
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