Navigating Thanksgiving Plans: Expert Insights and Safety Tips
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Understanding Thanksgiving Safety Concerns
As Thanksgiving approaches, many individuals across the United States are uncertain about the safety of gathering with family and friends. Even public figures, such as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, have faced scrutiny over their holiday plans, leading to cancellations to prioritize safety. Dr. Anthony Fauci has also opted for a more intimate celebration, as his daughters have chosen to stay away to protect him due to his age and health status.
To shed light on these concerns, three editors from Insider shared their Thanksgiving plans for assessment by health experts, focusing on what practices are acceptable and what adjustments might be necessary.
Family Gathering in Wisconsin
Rebecca Harrington, Insider's Deputy News Editor, typically gathers with her family in Wisconsin, where they maintain a "pod" of eight relatives who regularly see each other. Despite being healthy adults ranging from their 20s to 50s, their plans included inviting a relative from Connecticut, who has been cautious and lives alone.
However, Rebecca's family ultimately decided against this plan, opting for a dinner with just their immediate household instead. This change underscores the need for flexibility and caution in holiday planning.
Video Description: Explore expert responses to common Thanksgiving concerns and discover how to navigate family gatherings safely.
Experts' Opinions on the Wisconsin Plans
Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins University, deemed the initial plan relatively safe, given the regular interactions within their pod. However, he cautioned that the inclusion of an out-of-state guest could introduce additional risk.
Matthew Fox, a Boston University epidemiologist, highlighted that mixing households, especially with someone traveling by plane, raises safety concerns. Lindsey Leininger, a clinical professor, recommended outdoor gatherings to significantly lower risk.
Road Trip from Chicago to New York
Mia de Graaf, Insider’s Health Editor, plans a road trip to help a friend move a car from Chicago to New York. Both will take precautions, including testing and self-isolation before their journey.
Experts' Verdict
Adalja rated this plan as low risk due to the limited number of participants and past exposure to COVID-19. Conversely, Fox expressed concern over the potential exposure risks, especially for Mia's friend who has not previously contracted the virus. Leininger advised against such travel this year, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding immunity.
Video Description: Discover essential tips to avoid Thanksgiving mishaps and ensure a safer holiday experience.
Celebrating at Home with Family
Julie Zeveloff, Editor-in-Chief of Insider Life, plans to celebrate Thanksgiving at home with her husband and mother-in-law. Given their regular visits, experts consider this gathering a low risk.
Expert Insights
Adalja classified this plan as very low risk, aligning with CDC guidelines, while Fox noted it as moderate risk due to the inclusion of one external guest. Leininger expressed her discomfort with the arrangement, highlighting the psychological biases that can lead individuals to underestimate risks when gathering with loved ones.
Conclusion and Personal Reflections
Navigating holiday gatherings during the pandemic requires careful consideration of risks and safety measures. Engaging with experts can provide valuable insights to inform your plans, whether staying home or gathering with close family members. It's essential to remain vigilant and make informed choices to ensure a safer Thanksgiving experience.
If you have your own experiences or suggestions regarding COVID-19 precautions, feel free to share them with us at covidtips@businessinsider.com.