Having A Group Thanksgiving? Here’s How To Think About Safety

JOHNSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 10: Donald Baffoni holds a 6-month-old turkey at Baffoni’s Poultry Farm in Johnston, Ri on Nov. 10, 2020. Baffoni’s Poultry Farm has 1300 turkeys ready for slaughter for Thanksgiving. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

John Tlumacki / The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Confirmed cases of the coronavirus are surging. In the last week, more than 1 million people in the U.S. have tested positive. Hospitals around the country are filling up and sounding the alarm that they are short of staff and personal protective equipment. It’s a tough time for the holidays to fall, but here they are. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that people not gather for Thanksgiving, the reality is millions are traveling. So, the Short Wave podcast spoke to experts about how to mitigate some risk during a gathering.

Start by having conversations with the host or your guests

Talk to your guests or hosts beforehand about safety precautions. It’s often easier to have those conversations early, instead of on the spot, especially if you’re far home and shortening a visit is difficult if you’re uncomfortable.