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Lowering Your Risks at Thanksgiving Dinner

If you feel you must gather for a meal.

This is not something that my wife and I are doing. We will be having a Zoom Thanksgiving and Christmas. But for those who just can't help themselves and want to gather for a COVID-19 holiday dinner, there are some tips you can follow. Note the first one — not listed is "Do not travel!" 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending we all:

  • Wear a mask, and safely store it while eating and drinking.
  • Stay at least six feet from others you do not live with.
  • Wash (and wash, and wash) your hands.
  • Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
  • Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, serving vessels, and decor.
  • Have a small outdoor meal with family and friends who live in your community. [Do not stay and socialize.]
  • Limit the number of guests.
  • If celebrating indoors, make sure to open windows.
 

Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.