The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising Americans to stay home for Thanksgiving.
“More than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States over the last 7 days. As cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with,” the CDC said in a statement.
The agency added, “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.”
The CDC provided suggestions for those who do choose to travel including checking travel restrictions, getting a flu shot, wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand washing.
For attending a gathering, the CDC encourages Americans to bring their own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils, and wear masks.
If Americans choose to host a gathering, the CDC suggests holding it outside and limiting the number of guests.
“What is at stake is the increased chance of one of your loved ones becoming sick and then being hospitalized and dying around the holidays,” the CDC’s COVID-19 incident manager, Dr. Henry Walke, said Thursday.
CDC recommends against travel for Thanksgiving
— David P Gelles (@gelles) November 19, 2020
“What is at stake is the increased chance of one of your loved ones becoming sick and then being hospitalized and dying around the holidays, "Dr. Henry Walke, Covid-19 incident manager for the CDC said.
President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden (D) weighed in on how they will be spending the holiday this year.
“Holiday Scheduling Update: The [President of the United States] and [First Lady of the United States] will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday at the [White House] this year,” Stephanie Grisham, Melania Trump’s chief of staff, tweeted.
Biden revealed he will be spending Thanksgiving differently than how he normally celebrates, as IJR previously reported.
“Well, they said, ‘Joe, maximum ten people in your home. Maximum, Joe,'” Biden said during a virtual event Wednesday.
He continued, “I got a big family you’ve probably heard a lot about. We do everything together. Well, you know, there are going to be three of us.”