Gathering for Thanksgiving amid coronavirus is worth the risk, according to 1 in 3 parents



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Disregarding recommendations from federal health officials, a third of parents who responded to a survey said they plan to see their families in person this year despite the risk of COVID-19.

One in three parents in a new survey by CS Mott Children’s Hospital’s national children’s health survey said the risk of contracting or spreading the new coronavirus is worth collecting for Thanksgiving this year.

“As they reflect on their Thanksgiving plans, parents seem to be balancing the risks and benefits of a traditional celebration. The main concern is the pandemic, as three quarters of parents believe it is very important to prevent the spread of COVID-19; it’s probably a priority because 9 in 10 parents said their Thanksgiving gatherings typically include grandparents or other older adults, ”the survey found. “Yet more than half of parents said it was very important for their child to be with extended family and share Thanksgiving traditions.”

For those planning to get together, 88% of parents surveyed said they would ask family members who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to the virus not to attend, while 64% have stated that they would not invite family members who did not. took precautions against the virus, such as wearing masks, social distancing and avoiding social gatherings.

CDC suggests Americans forgo singing, loud music and alcohol for the holidays due to pandemic

Meanwhile, “three-quarters (76%) will try to limit contact between their child and high-risk guests such as the elderly or people with medical conditions. Two-thirds (68%) plan to ask customers to maintain their social distancing as much as possible, ”according to the survey conducted in August and based on responses from 1,443 parents with at least one child aged 12 or under.

“In this unique situation, children can be better served if parents think about how to preserve family traditions without meeting in person. Parents may want to talk with children about their favorite Thanksgiving foods, decorations or activities, then use that information to plan a virtual celebration that includes family members in different locations, ”said those who conducted the survey.

The investigation was conducted before the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week warned against travel to visit relatives and friends this Thanksgiving and the holidays and urged people with possible symptoms of coronavirus or other illnesses to stay at home.

ADJUST YOUR THANKS PLANS FOR SAFETY, EXPERTS URGENT

“As Thanksgiving approaches, our hearts and minds are turning to visiting family and friends,” Dr. Henry Walke, the agency’s COVID-19 incident manager, said during the briefing. “In the midst of this critical phase, the CDC recommends against traveling during the Thanksgiving period.”

Walke added that for those who decide to travel, the health agency recommends doing so “in the safest way possible,” which includes wearing a mask in public, maintaining social distancing and hand washing often with soap and water.

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The agency also recommends travelers determine if someone they might see during their visit is at risk for serious illness, if the community spread is high where you live or at your destination, if there are any requirements. local quarantine and whether travel plans require a bus, train. or in the air, and if so, what social distancing measures will be implemented.

Alexandria Hein of Fox News contributed to this report.

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