
BOSTON
- Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston
Public Health Commission (BPHC) today released guidance on celebrating
Thanksgiving safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging residents to stay
home and spend the day with people in their own household. Health officials
have advised that traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and
friends can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.
"Thanksgiving
is normally a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate
together. We know these aren't normal times, so we're asking everyone to
take the necessary steps to prevent the further transmission of COVID-19 as
we enter a critical period in this pandemic," said Mayor Walsh.
"We can keep the spirit of thankfulness alive without putting yourself
and your loved ones at risk. As always, I want to thank Bostonians for
their cooperation during this difficult year."
Residents
who may have COVID-19, are not feeling well, or have been exposed to the
virus should stay home and not host or participate in any in-person
gatherings. Residents who are at an increased risk of severe illness from
COVID-19, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions,
should also not take part in any in-person gatherings.
If you are planning on hosting or attending a Thanksgiving
gathering:
- Keep it small and limit the
number of guests. In Boston, indoor gatherings should be 10 people or
less.
- Ask guests to wear a mask
unless eating and drinking, and stay 6 feet apart when possible.
- Clean and disinfect frequently
touched surfaces and items between use.
- Ask guests to avoid going in
and out of areas where food is being prepared and handled, like the
kitchen.
- Do not share food, drink, or
any utensils.
- Have guests bring their own
food and drink.
- Avoid any self-serve food or
drink options, such as buffets, potlucks, or drink stations.
- If sharing food, have one
person (wearing a face mask and gloves) serve food and use single-use
options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable
items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
- Consider small seating table
arrangements in multiple rooms with plenty of spacing, instead of a
large family table.
- Improve ventilation by opening
windows and doors.
- For 14 days before and after
holiday gatherings, minimize contact with other people, and leave home
only for essential services like going to work, buying groceries, and
appointments with doctors.
If you are planning to travel for Thanksgiving:
Travel
increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the
best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel:
- Know the higher-risk states and
what the Massachusetts
travel orders mean for when you return home
- All visitors entering
Massachusetts, including returning residents, are required to
quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19
test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to
your arrival in Massachusetts.
- Wear a face covering at all
times in public
- Stay 6 feet apart from anyone
who is not in your household
- Get a flu shot before
traveling, if you have not already
- Wash your hands often or use
hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your mask, eyes,
nose and mouth
BPHC
health officials encourage families to find safer, alternative or virtual
ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. The safest celebrations involve people from
your household, are outdoors, and allow for social distancing and other
safety measures.
Lower risk activities:
- Having a small Thanksgiving
dinner with only people who live in your household.
- Host a virtual dinner with
extended family and friends. Show off your favorite dishes and share
your favorite recipes.
- Host a Thanksgiving meal
outdoors, if possible.
- Go for a walk with extended
family members, while wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart.
- Preparing traditional family
recipes for family and neighbors and delivering them in a way that
doesn't involve contact with others.
- Shopping online rather than in
person on the day after Thanksgiving. Use contactless services, like
curbside pick-up or shop in open air markets and stay 6 feet away from
others.
Higher risk activities:
- Attending or hosting indoor
gatherings with people from outside your home.
- Sharing food and drinks.
- Shaking hands and hugging. Wave
and verbally greet others instead.
- Singing, dancing, and shouting.
These activities increase your chances of catching COVID-19 through
the air.
Read more on the Thanksgiving
guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information on Boston's response to COVID-19, please visit
boston.gov/coronavirus. |
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