Traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends are fun but can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household.

If you do plan to attend a gathering, bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils; wear a mask, and safely store your mask while eating and drinking; avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen; and use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets.

Making Thanksgiving Safer:

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF COVID-19 spreads easily from person to person, mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings, or talks. People who are infected but do not have symptoms can also spread the virus to others, which is why it’s important that everyone wash their hands, avoid close contact with people outside their household, and cover their mouth and nose with a mask when in public. COVID-19 Protection 

COVID-19 AND ANIMALS We do not know the exact source of the current outbreak of COVID-19, but we know that it originally came from an animal, likely a bat. We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations. However, there is currently no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19. Research on COVID-19 in animals is limited. Studies are underway to learn more about how this virus can affect different animals. COVID-19 in Animals

TRAVEL DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. You can get COVID-19 during your travels. You may feel well and not have any symptoms, but you and your travel companions (including children) may spread COVID-19 to other people including your family, friends, and community for 14 days after you were exposed to the virus. Don’t travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, and don’t travel with someone who is sick.

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING YOUR HOME When cleaning and disinfecting, always read and follow the directions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use. Wear skin protection and consider eye protection for potential splash hazards, ensure adequate ventilation, avoid mixing chemical products, label diluted cleaning solutions, and store and use chemicals out of the reach of children and pets. When cleaning soft surfaces, such as carpeted floors, rugs, and drapes, clean the surface with soap and water and launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.