Over the course of the past year, people all around the world have been forced to adjust their lives due to the ongoing pandemic. With the holiday season quickly approaching, many Americans are struggling to balance their emotional and physical needs, with Thanksgiving being the first challenge. While celebrating with family may be important and crucial for one’s mental health, are in-person celebrations worth the risk of spreading a potentially life-threatening virus?

With the recent increase of Coronavirus cases, now more than ever, American citizens should be taking every precaution necessary to try and curb the rise in cases. This means wearing masks at all times in public, following proper social distancing protocols, making handwashing a priority, and sadly for this year, limiting in-person get togethers. Therefore, this year, in order to stop the spread of Covid-19, all Thanksgiving gatherings should be limited to those in your immediate household.

According to the CDC, ¨celebrations virtually or with the people you live with is the safest choice for this Thanksgiving¨. Anytime two people or groups of people remain in close proximity, especially indoors, there is a high risk of contracting Covid-19. When eating and drinking are added into the mix, the risk grows to be even greater. Thanksgiving celebrations provide the perfect breeding grounds for the mass transfer of Covid-19. By not gathering with anyone outside of your household, even close family or friends, you are doing your part to not potentially spread Covid-19.

Although Thanksgiving is meant to be celebrated with those you love, Sophie Neuwirth (´23) says she’d ¨rather miss one Thanksgiving and have 90 more rather than do this Thanksgiving normally and not have as many left with [her] grandparent.” This sentiment remains the same for many others who would love to spend this Thanksgiving with their extended families, but know that in order for life to get back to normal one day, they need to take all precautions in order to keep those they love safe.

However, unfortunately not everyone feels that way. The CDC urges those who do decide to take part in in-person gatherings to wear a mask, socially distance at all times, especially if they choose to gather indoors, and use separate food, plates, drinks, and cups. They also recommended for anyone who travels from another state to quarantine for fourteen days before gathering; people should also have conversations with the people attending the gathering in regards to where they have been and who they have been exposed to.

Even though you may not be able to gather in person with your family this year, it does not mean you and your family have to celebrate alone. Kiran Muttathil (‘23) believes that ¨limiting your contact with people is one of the best things you can do right now for your own safety while cases are rising,” but you can still create your own version of a virtual Thanksgiving in order to be surrounded by loved ones. Many families have chosen to celebrate using Zoom so that they can still see each other and create a sense of togetherness while simultaneously staying safe. No matter what your plans are for this Thanksgiving, keep in mind the well-being of yourself and those around you to do your part to stop the spread of Covid-19.