BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WLVT) — This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends hosting a virtual Thanksgiving to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Scott Gingold, president of Lehigh Valley Technology Company, says people should opt for video platforms that offer security options, like a passcode to enter the video chat. He's a fan of Microsoft Teams, and says signing up for a free trial of a video service is a good place to start.
"Remember, with most of these services, you don’t have to sign an annual contract, you can do month-to-month," Gingold told PBS39. "With holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas and New Year's coming, why not sign up for a 30-day trial, which should get you through until January."
The popular video communication platform Zoom announced last week that its free sessions, which only last 40-minutes, will be unlimited throughout Thanksgiving day. Gingold says whatever service you chose, be sure to prepare your devices ahead of time.
"I would strongly advise everyone to update their devices and clear the cache beforehand. Also, consider doing a test call," said Gingold. "Be sure to only only have the video platform you're using pulled up. You don’t want to have other programs running in the background that will slow you down."
Katie Dunleavy, Ph.D., teaches interpersonal relationship topics at La Salle University. She’s says there’s a positive impact on mental health when people chat with friends and family face-to-face online.
"We’re learning that connections can still happen virtually, and that people don’t have to be in the same physical space to experience some of the positive effects of being close to another person," Dunleavy told PBS39. "We know that hugs, kisses and physical connections reduce stress levels. However, we’re also learning that hearing a message of affection can have the same effect. So, just hearing someone say ‘I care about you’ or ‘I miss you’ can produce the same positive outcomes on mental health."
Gingold says he’s thankful technology is available to keep people connected.
"Five years ago, we probably couldn’t pull this off, the tech just wasn’t there," said Gingold. "I know it’s not ideal, but at least we're able to stay connected during a tough time."
Here's some video service platforms to consider for Turkey Day and beyond: