Is it safe to plan for Thanksgiving this year during the pandemic?
Just like the other holidays, most of the COVID-19 rules still apply. When out in public or going to an event we all should still be wearing a mask, washing our hands and staying socially distant. With recent COVID-19 cases and surges in hospitalization rates Connecticut has rolled back into Phase 2. As we’re heading into a predicted 2nd wave of COVID-19, families now have to restructure their plans for Thanksgiving and perhaps Christmas too.
AFC Urgent Care West Hartford is here to help you prepare and plan for Thanksgiving during COVID-19 with important information and guidance.
Decide how you’re celebrating Thanksgiving
Make a decision. Your decision is the first step on how to plan for your Thanksgiving. Whether you are going to someone else’s house or having people over you need to consider your health and everyone else’s.
From now up until Thanksgiving, there may be more cases and hospitalizations. If you are going to host thanksgiving, you need to decide who and how many people you want to come to your gathering. And, just so you know the maximum number of guests is 10 per gathering, so plan accordingly. You may want to inform all your guests about getting COVID-19 tested, limiting outdoor contact and bringing their own foods.
Traveling may not be an option this Thanksgiving
Everyone’s situation is different. Some families have relatives all throughout the U.S. Others have kids returning home from college. If you’re traveling, you should be aware of the red zone states and red zone communities in Connecticut that may sway your decision on how to celebrate this year. If you do travel, be prepared to quarantine for at least 10 days and to get a few COVID-19 tests to obtain results. In addition to this, you should be packing extra masks and sanitizers as you’re putting yourself at risk of contracting the virus.
If traveling isn’t an option for some, although not ideal, you can still celebrate virtually. Hosting a virtual dinner can still be fun while connecting others from different parts of the world.
COVID-19 testing and Flu shots are also a part of everyone’s Thanksgiving plan
You can expect COVID-19 tests and flu vaccines to be served with Turkey at the table this year.
College students are returning home and we highly suggest that they get tested before they come back to Connecticut. This is important because there are many schools throughout the U.S that have an outbreak of COVID-19 cases. Parents should be in contact and make sure that they are taking these precautions before returning home for the holidays.
Getting a flu shot is also important because the flu season just begun and ruling out the flu will help when diagnosing COVID-19. Seniors, pregnant women and high risk individuals can benefit if you get a flu vaccine because they are immunocompromised.
That’s right! It’s not just about you!
Help them by getting a flu shot so they have one less thing to worry about this Thanksgiving.
AFC Urgent Care West Hartford is ready for Thanksgiving
AFC Urgent Care West Hartford is open 7 days a week and is located on 1030 Boulevard.
We are aware of the recent restrictions in CT and hope that you take this time to prepare for Thanksgiving and future holidays. AFC Urgent Care West Hartford offers both COVID-19 rapid testing with results in 30 minutes (by appointment only) Mondays through Saturdays, and regular standard COVID-19 testing with results available in 3 business days depending on lab capacity.
AFC in West Hartford also offers flu vaccines to help combat against the flu and keep others with weaker immune systems safe. We wish you all a health and safe Thanksgiving.
