CDC recommends no Thanksgiving travel, small family gatherings

With more than one million COVID-19 cases reported in the United States over the last seven days, the CDC stated the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.

Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Travel may increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.

If you are considering traveling for Thanksgiving, here are some important questions to ask yourself and your loved ones beforehand.

· Are you, someone in your household, or someone you will be visiting at increased risk for getting very sick from COVID-19?

· Are cases high or increasing in your community or your destination? Check CDC’s COVID Data Tracker for the latest number of cases.

· Are hospitals in your community or your destination overwhelmed with patients who have COVID-19? To find out, check state and local public health department websites.

· Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Check state and local requirements before you travel.

· During the 14 days before your travel, have you or those you are visiting had close contact with people they don’t live with?

· Do your plans include traveling by bus, train, or air which might make staying six feet apart difficult?

· Are you traveling with people who don’t live with you?

If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” you should consider making other plans, such as hosting a virtual gathering or delaying your travel.

It’s important to talk with the people you live with and your family and friends about the risks of traveling for Thanksgiving.

If you do travel:

· Check travel restrictions before you go.

· Get your flu shot before you travel.

· Always wear a mask in public settings, when using public transportation, and when around people who you don’t live with.

· Stay at least six feet apart from anyone who does not live with you.

· Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.

· Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.

· Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.

· Know when to delay your travel.

· Wear a mask

· Wear a mask with two or more layers to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19.