ELKINS PARK, Pa. (WLVT) — If you typically host a big gathering on Turkey Day, you may want to scale back.
Large Thanksgiving events are considered a high-risk way to spread the virus that causes COVID-19, per guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Cindy Hou, infection control officer for Jefferson Health New Jersey, says it’s best to keep your guest list small.
"If possible, take the festivities outdoors instead of indoors," said Hou. "If you’re elderly or at-risk, perhaps stay in a different room or participate virtually."
Dr. Robert Fischer, director of infectious diseases at Einstein Medical Center, told PBS39 that people shouldn’t let their guard down.
"The major route of transmission is through the air," said Fischer. "Wear a mask when you’re not eating. Maintain social distancing. Six feet is good, 10 feet is better."
Quarantining for two weeks prior to holiday visits, Fischer says, may be an effective way to reduce the risk of transmission.
"That’s provided that the quarantine is very strict. I question how many people are willing or able to undergo that type of strict quarantine — where you go for 14 days with essentially no exposure to any other people," he said.
DINNER AND DRINKS
While the CDC recommends avoiding alcohol, Hou says moderation is key.
"Certainly, a glass of wine, if that’s part of your tradition of sorts, I don’t think that’s harmful," said Hou. "But I don’t recommend drinking in excess to where your sense of awareness could become impaired."
She noted that COVID-19 is not known to spread by way of prepared food.
"It’s not so much the food," Hou said. "If someone were sick and touched a utensil, you could spread germs," said Hou.
PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES
Hou says the travel method you choose may increase your risk of infection.
"If you get onto a mode of transportation that’s more crowded, and if people are lax with masks and hygiene, your risk increases," she explained. "It also makes a difference if someone is traveling to or from an area that is a hot spot."
Both doc’s believe a happy Thanksgiving is still on the menu.
"Despite everything that’s going on, we still have a lot to be thankful for and we should count our blessings," said Hou.
Fischer agreed.
"This won’t last forever," he said. "I think by this time next year things should be pretty much back to normal."
CLICK HERE to read the CDC's full list of Thanksgiving guidelines.