Division of Public Health shares safe Thanksgiving gathering tips

Concerned about a winter resurgence in COVID-19 cases again this year, Delaware Division of Public Health is sharing recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on planning safer Thanksgiving gatherings.

Though masking and gathering restrictions are relaxed compared to last year, the virus continues to circulate in the community.

“The rate of COVID-19 positive cases increased by 16 percent since last week, with the highest rates among children ages 5 to 17,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Halloween parties likely contributed to the increase. We want to get ahead of things and prevent another holiday surge.”

As of Nov. 18, more than 83 percent of the state’s adult population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to CDC data. In contrast, unvaccinated people continue to drive case rates and hospitalizations. During the week of Nov. 1-7, 82 percent of Delaware’s hospitalizations were among unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people.

Vaccination continues to be the strongest recommendation to protect oneself from COVID-19, and it is the biggest action people can take toward participating in a safe holiday gathering. This includes getting a first dose of the vaccine for those who have not already done so, and a second dose or booster dose for recommended recipients. 

Getting children vaccinated, especially those ages 5-11 who are newly eligible, with their first dose prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, is a good way to ensure they are protected. Full vaccination using the pediatric dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was found to be more than 90 percent protective against developing symptomatic COVID-19. No severe vaccine-related side effects or severe allergic reactions were identified during clinical trials.

Here are other tips for a safe Thanksgiving holiday:

• Get tested for COVID-19 before celebrating with a people from multiple households and different parts of the country.
• Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19, or has had close contact with someone who has it, should stay home and not host or attend a gathering.
• Smaller gatherings are better than larger gatherings to enable social distancing from unvaccinated attendees. Unvaccinated people should get tested prior to Thanksgiving to ensure they are negative for COVID-19.
• Wear a face mask. Unvaccinated family members, including children ages 2 years and older, should wear a mask in all indoor public settings. People with a weakened immune system, who are at increased risk for severe disease, should also mask up.
• Communicate COVID-19 ground rules to invited guests, including expectations about testing before or after gathering, and vaccination or masking requirements.
• Gather outdoors when possible. Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. Gatherings for a holiday walk, flag football game, picnic or virtual cocktails are fun alternatives to an indoor sit-down meal.
• Do not travel unnecessarily unless you and your companions are fully vaccinated. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated and must travel should follow CDC’s domestic travel or international travel recommendations at cdc.gov.

To download the Public Health Communications Collaborative’s tips in a simple recipe card format, go to publichealthcollaborative.org.