Timely Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a traditional holiday and many enjoy spending the day with close friends and family. If you are planning to host a dinner or if you will be going to someone's home or a restaurant, the best way to minimize your risk of getting sick from COVID-19 or the flu, is to get vaccinated for both and to also get a booster if you are eligible.

People who are over the age of 65 or anyone with chronic kidney disease (CKD) at any stage, patients on dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients, may not be fully protected if they are fully vaccinated and have received boosters.

The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. If you do plan to spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, take steps to make your celebration safer.

Face masks

The CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings and follow international travel recommendations.

Frequent handwashing

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it when you are unable to wash your hands
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol

If you are a guest at a dinner

• Wear an N95 mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking
• Speak to your hosts ahead of time so everyone knows what to expect at the dinner
• Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated gatherings with people who are not in your household

Do not host or attend gatherings with people who are sick with COVID-19 or the flu.

If you are hosting a dinner

• Only have a few guests
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use
• Avoid hosting your gathering in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces with people who are not in your household
• Limit the number of people in the kitchen and other food preparation areas
• Speak with your guests ahead of time so everyone knows what to expect at the dinner

Host a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live with you

• Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually
• Get creative by sharing recipes and showing your turkey, dressing, or other dishes

If you are travelling to a gathering

• Check travel restrictions before you go
• Wear an N95 mask in public places and on public transportation
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth
• Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer

Fun alternatives to a traditional Thanksgiving

• Watch television and play games with the people in your household
• Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and days leading up to the winter holidays
  1. Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up
  2. Shop in open air markets staying 6 feet away from others
• Plan a thankfulness activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family

Thanksgiving is a day for feeling thankful and celebrating families and friends. While you need to avoid activities that place you and others at risk, it’s important to stay connected – even if virtually – with friends and loved ones.