CHARLESTON, W.Va. — This week’s giving of thanks, like so many things in 2020, won’t look the same.
On a holiday that traditionally starts the holiday season with large numbers of people typically getting together and sharing food, the advice from health officials was to do the opposite to try to limit ongoing coronavirus spread as new case numbers continued to surge.
“The holidays are definitely not canceled. They’re going to be a little different, but they’re not canceled,” said Ami Cook, a family and community development agent for WVU Extension Service in Braxton County and Clay County.
“We really need to be following the guidelines that are put forth for us. Safety is key and those guidelines are there to help us celebrate in a safe way.”
Cook said any holiday meals should be small, limited to local family members who don’t have to travel to celebrate.
Out-of-town guests, she suggested, could join via video calls.
Outdoor meals, where allowed by weather, were also advised.
Dr. Sherri Young, health officer and executive director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, echoed those recommendations.
“That’s one way to naturally social distance and keep a good airflow. Opening the windows would be another alternative to that,” Dr. Young said.
“Pre-packaging food or putting them in individual packets (is also recommended) so that you’re not using communal food that normally you would sit out at a party so that you’re not touching the same utensils.”
Thanksgiving guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention included mask wearing, social distancing and frequent hand washing.
Celebrating virtually or with the people you live with was the safest choice this Thanksgiving, CDC officials said.
For those opting to attend gatherings in person, the CDC recommended the following steps:
– Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
– Wear a mask and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
– Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
– Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
For those hosting, the CDC suggested an outdoor meal with a limited number of guests using disposal utensils who had been informed ahead of time about expectations.
The CDC also said reducing the number of people in food preparation areas, potentially have guests bring their own food or drinks or, in cases where food was being shared, having one person serve it.
“We want to take those to heart and really make sure that we’re adhering to those guidelines,” said Cook who acknowledged 2020 has been a tough year for many.
“From a mental health perspective, I would encourage everyone to embrace the holidays the best that they can this season. We really need that. We need to be taking some time off. Most of us are overworked and overwhelmed at this point.”
Looking for some safe ways to celebrate with your family on Thursday? We have you covered but so does @Zoom! pic.twitter.com/CY2iSZ9K6S
— Kanawha-Charleston Health Department (@KCHealth1) November 23, 2020