The CDC Issues Guidelines for Halloween and Thanksgiving

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With Halloween and Thanksgiving right around the corner, many people are wondering what the holidays will look like during the coronavirus pandemic.
The CDC has issued guidelines for both Halloween and Thanksgiving – two holidays that will look a lot different this year.
It’s no big surprise the CDC is warning against door-to-door Trick-or-Treating this Halloween as we continue to socially distance. They also advise against big costume house parties, indoor haunted houses where people are screaming, and hayrides with people who aren’t in your household.
So, just how can you celebrate Halloween this year? According to the CDC, safer options include virtual Halloween activities or activities you do with members of your own household. Carving pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with family and friends is also a good idea. Additionally, Trick-or-Treating could be enjoyed by having prepackaged treats available for pick-up at the end of a drive-way where socially distancing is more achievable.
Sadly, Thanksgiving – a time when family and friends get together to share food and watch a football game – is also in jeopardy this year, with the CDC advising against travel.
Federal Health Officials suggest having a small Thanksgiving dinner with people who live in your household this year or setting up a virtual Thanksgiving celebration with friends and family. For family members at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, the CDC recommends preparing traditional family recipes and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others.
The CDC advises against watching parades in person, gathering to watch large sporting events, and heading to packed stores for Black Friday shopping, urging would-be-bargain-hunters to shop online instead.