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Happy Thanksgiving, Boston!
This Thanksgiving is unlike any we’ve seen
in our lifetimes. As cases of COVID-19 increase in the City, across the
Commonwealth, and across the United States, we’re asking everyone to take
necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus as we enter a critical
period in the pandemic. The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is at home with the people in your household.
Gathering with family and friends who do not live with you can increase
the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.
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If you may have COVID-19, are not feeling
well, or have been exposed to the virus, you should stay home and not
host or participate in any in-person gatherings. If you are at an
increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or
those with certain medical conditions, you should also not take part in
any in-person gatherings.
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Everyone can make Thanksgiving safer this
year
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Remember, celebrating at home with people
you live with is the safest option this year. If you are planning on
gathering with family outside your household or traveling, we urge
extreme caution. Getting tested does not protect you from infection. It
will still be a higher risk activity, and we ask that you refrain from
engaging in this activity if possible.
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Holding a
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.
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Keep in
mind:
- If sharing food, have
one person (wearing a face mask and gloves) serve food and use
single-use options and disposable items, like plastic 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. Leave home only for essential services like going to
work, buying groceries, and appointments with doctors.
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Are you planning to travel?
As a reminder, we strongly advise against
traveling for Thanksgiving, which may increase your chances of getting
and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself
and others this year. If
you must travel:
- Know the higher-risk states and what the Massachusetts travel order means for
you 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 before 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 an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.
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Safe alternatives for celebrating Thanksgiving
Looking for safer, alternative, or virtual
ways to celebrate the holiday? The safest celebrations are with people
from your household, or ones held outdoors that allow for safety
measures.
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Lower-risk
activities:
- Having a small
Thanksgiving dinner with only people who live in your household.
- Hosting a virtual
dinner with extended family and friends.
- Hosting a
Thanksgiving meal outdoors, if possible.
- Taking a walk with
extended family while wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart.
- Preparing traditional
recipes for family and neighbors. Deliver them in a way that
doesn't involve contact with others.
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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.
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Black Friday shopping?
Black Friday
and Small Business Saturday are some of the biggest shopping days of
the year. Take steps to stay safe:
- Always wear a face
covering in public.
- Stay 6 feet apart
from others.
- Avoid crowds and
crowded places.
- Bring an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer and wash your hands often.
Consider
alternative, safer options:
- Shop online
- Use contactless
services, like curbside pick-up
- Shop in open air
markets, staying 6 feet away from others and wearing a mask
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Get the COVID-19 test!
As you would
whenever you participate in any kind of gathering, consider getting
tested for COVID-19. The City of Boston partners with community
health centers, hospitals, and pharmacies to increase access to
COVID-19 testing for Boston residents.
As a reminder, we have over 30 testing sites across the
City, as well as two mobile testing sites currently at Central Square Park in East
Boston and at Jubilee
Christian Church in Mattapan. Find a site near you.
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You can read more about Thanksgiving
guidance on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
For more information on Boston's response to COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 website.
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