Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and often involves people traveling far distances in order to spend time with their families, often spending multiple days together in the family home in close quarters. Both travel and lack of social distancing can lead to the spread of the novel coronavirus, even if only one member of your family tests positive for the virus. While staying home is the safest way to celebrate the holidays, there are certain risks you should be aware of if you do elect to go home.

Low-risk ways to celebrate Thanksgiving during COVID-19

If you are staying at your residence and not going home, the safest way to celebrate is by making a small dinner with the people you live with directly or having a virtual dinner with your extended family over video chat, where you can share recipes and tips for the meal that can come in handy next year. If you have neighbors or nearby family members that are high-risk for complications from the virus, you can prepare dishes for them as well to reduce their risk of exposure visiting crowded supermarkets and grocery stores. If you deliver food, make sure to wear gloves and a mask and step away from the door after altering them to your presence to avoid direct contact. In addition to eating the meal directly with the individuals you live with, you can watch the football games or holiday-themed movies. Instead of going to the mall or electronics stores for Black Friday deals, check online! Many stores are already beginning Black Friday preview sales online or are planning big pushes for the weekend leading into Cyber Monday. You’ll still be able to get a good amount of your holiday shopping done without leaving your home. 

Moderate-Risk Thanksgiving Activities

If you are looking to add some festive activities to your fall,  you can visit a pumpkin patch with adequate social distancing measures in place. Make sure you wear masks and gloves or use hand sanitizer before and after handling pumpkins. If your family lives nearby, organize an outdoor meal, weather permitting, with plenty of social distancing in place. 

High Risk Activities to Avoid

Unfortunately, most activities you may consider Thanksgiving traditions are going to be considered higher risk this year.  Visiting crowded stores to get groceries or shop the latest deals is discouraged due to the high potential for exposure. You should also avoid crowded sporting events, turkey trots or parades that do not allow for proper social distancing. You should also avoid crowded indoor gatherings including bars, school reunions and extended family dinners. Air, bus or train travel can also be high risk for exposure to the virus.

COVID-19 Rapid Testing in Louisville, Boulder & Superior, CO

If you are able to be with your family this Thanksgiving, visit AFC Urgent Care Louisville for COVID-19 diagnostic testing. Standard PCR testing is available for walk-in patients seven days a week with results in 2-4 days, while rapid testing with same-day results require an appointment. For more information about testing or accepted insurances, please call 720-961-9700.