The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the general public should not be celebrating Thanksgiving with people outside of one’s household. Although this defeats the purpose in celebrating—coming together with family and loved ones to recognize the things that people do for each other all throughout the year—it serves to keep people safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Just in the last seven days, one million more coronavirus cases have been reported in the United States, meaning that the chances of contracting COVID-19 have also increased, making it more unsafe to travel to see family members or friends that do not live within one’s household. With schools opening back up and sports resuming this fall, it has been difficult to keep up with social distancing and following state guidelines, even giving many a tease of normalcy. However, this partial return to normal is deceptive, and COVID-19 is still a threat to all people of all ages. Everyone should do their best to remain socially distant from others, and should not travel across state borders or even across town to celebrate the holiday. 

2020 has been a difficult year for many, and for so many different reasons. It is understandable that Thanksgiving would be a nice escape from the harsh reality of the pandemic and the discouraging current state of unknown. Many may think it would be beneficial to seek comfort in those that make us feel loved and safe. Yet, there is no right way to safely celebrate Thanksgiving as if it is any other year at this current time. 

Evidence suggests that wearing masks is very helpful in preventing the spread of COVID-19, but masks are not 100% effective. People could wear masks and greet family or friends from a distance outdoors, but it is likely that people will succumb to the cold temperatures and try to go indoors, which is more unsafe due to the lack of air movement.

Those that plan to ignore the guidelines and travel, but try to still be safe by wearing masks indoors face another issue: eating. Since it is impossible to eat while wearing a mask, the feasting tradition would remove a barrier in stopping the spread of the disease, ultimately putting more lives at stake. 

Anyone that plans to travel, regardless of all those that say it is unsafe, is being selfish and jeopardizing not only the people they are with, but the people that those people come in contact with through work and school, and healthcare workers that would have to care for them.