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: As coronavirus cases rise across the nation and in Tampa Bay, let’s break down pandemic safety for the Thanksgiving holiday. https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/11/16/doctors-urge-caution-on-thanksgiving-gatherings-here-are-some-safety-tips/
As of Nov. 22, there were 7,602 average new coronavirus cases per day in Florida. That’s more than a 130% increase from a month ago. https://projects.tampabay.com/projects/data/coronavirus/en/
The CDC warns against traveling for the holidays. “The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is at home with the people in your household,” an official said. https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/11/19/cdc-warns-americans-not-to-travel-for-thanksgiving/
But people are still traveling across the country and more are expected.
“There is so much community transmission all over the United States that the chances of you encountering somebody that has COVID-19 is actually very, very high,” an expert said. https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/11/23/millions-stick-to-thanksgiving-travel-plans-despite-warnings/
“There is so much community transmission all over the United States that the chances of you encountering somebody that has COVID-19 is actually very, very high,” an expert said. https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/11/23/millions-stick-to-thanksgiving-travel-plans-despite-warnings/
If families do decide to include others, the CDC advises people to keep outside, distance and wear masks. Tampa Bay serves a big advantage: The forecast for Thanksgiving currently projects 10% rain and partly cloudy skies.
Here are other tips that public health experts advise:
• Avoid buffet-style meals
• Have a designated server
• Sit together at a distance
•Wear a mask when not eating
• Hold a Zoom meeting with extended family https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/11/16/doctors-urge-caution-on-thanksgiving-gatherings-here-are-some-safety-tips/
• Avoid buffet-style meals
• Have a designated server
• Sit together at a distance
•Wear a mask when not eating
• Hold a Zoom meeting with extended family https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/11/16/doctors-urge-caution-on-thanksgiving-gatherings-here-are-some-safety-tips/
Local doctors are significantly shifting their holiday plans with their families, too. One told us: "If we want to have a wonderful holiday season together in 2021, let us responsibly stay separated in 2020." https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/11/23/safe-to-gather-tampa-bay-doctors-share-their-pandemic-holiday-plans/
Statewide, the rise and fall in cases in young people comes first, as older cases come later.
That sequence could mean current trends are more dangerous than they appear, our analysis found, especially before the holidays: https://trib.al/p5Z7ViO
That sequence could mean current trends are more dangerous than they appear, our analysis found, especially before the holidays: https://trib.al/p5Z7ViO
Forty percent of people are asymptomatic and may not know they have the coronavirus. Nursing home residents in Florida are allowed to visit family for the holidays — but aren’t required to get tested when they return. https://www.tampabay.com/news/health/2020/11/22/residents-may-leave-florida-facilities-for-thanksgiving-could-bring-coronavirus-back
Looking for a test this week? Here are sites in Tampa Bay — just don’t bet on Thursday: https://trib.al/0OUA8kp
Note: If you test negative, you may still have the virus if you haven’t quarantined and were possibly exposed recently. You should still distance and wear masks.
Note: If you test negative, you may still have the virus if you haven’t quarantined and were possibly exposed recently. You should still distance and wear masks.
This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the Tampa Bay community and for readers like you. Stay informed and stay safe this holiday season. https://www.tampabay.com/coronavirus/
