If you fall into one of these categories, don’t attend Thanksgiving dinner

Orange County, Florida – With Thanksgiving days away, leaders in central Florida are once again reminding residents that not everyone should be celebrating this year.

Alvina Chu, epidemiology program manager at the Florida Department of Health, said on Monday that staying home this year and not participating in the festivities in person could help keep loved ones safe.

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This is even more true for some people.

“It may be obvious to report, but if you are positive, a known positive at this time for COVID-19 infection and you have not been recommended for isolation or are recommended to stay at home for the amount of time your doctor or health care provider or health service has recommended, please do not attend an in-person meeting as you may be at risk of transmitting this disease to loved ones who may be particularly vulnerable Chu said.

This also applies to anyone with symptoms related to COVID, such as a cough or fever, and to those who have been exposed to a known case or are awaiting test results.

“If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, it means you may be incubating the infection and you don’t know it yet. It is possible that you shed the virus and be contagious to others, even if you don’t feel sick, ”she says.

Speaking alongside Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Chu also said those at serious risk of developing complications if they develop respiratory disease should avoid ending up with friends and family members outside their home.

“So if you have a known underlying health issue, please – I know it’s difficult, but if you can, please do not attend a meeting in person as you may be exposing yourself to other people who may not have been. cautiously or practicing the right pandemic precautions, ”she said.

When creating guest lists, hosts should strongly consider not inviting loved ones who are known not to wear masks or be indifferent when it comes to practicing coronavirus safety measures.

“It matters a little bit who you invite, you know, if you have any family members who, you know, aren’t doing their good pandemic precautions, then they’re at risk because they can be contagious. and not know it. So they are on the move and circulate and do not protect themselves or others, ”Chu said.

For those planning to attend a dinner party, she suggested eating out, wearing masks as often as possible, maintaining social distancing, avoiding singing and yelling, and cleaning surfaces frequently. affected.

“Please don’t let your guard down on this vacation,” she warned.

Demings also called for caution, reminding residents that sitting at celebrations may ultimately be the safer option.

“When it comes to family, Thanksgiving is part of that family vacation. If you think about it, especially if you have a multigenerational family, you have to worry about how you’re going to expose your family or not, ”he said.

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