Like others, I've said that if you can pass on Thanksgiving this year, you should. But I know most of you need to see your families; its essential.

I was going to write a piece on this, but since I ran out of time, here is my rant:

HOW TO MAXIMIZE SAFETY DURING THANKSGIVING.

First...I usually recommend the CDC for advice...but man, this post is kind of silly.

Who is going to bring their own plates and utensils? Please.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html#:~:text=Bring%20your%20own%20food%2C%20drinks,such%20as%20in%20the%20kitchen.

1. If possible, eat outdoors.

I know...99% of you can't do this. But it is literally the safest choice.

One option is possible: do dinner in your garage, with heaters, and the garage doors open.

Nothing is ideal, but this is better than inside in an enclosed space.

2. Wear masks as much as possible.

Can't do this while eating (will get to that) but any other time, people should be wearing masks. Its too easy to get comfortable around your parents, grandparents, etc...but this really is essential. Don't get lazy on this.

3. Limit common areas.

Dinner is the worst; but other times, try not to congregate. Especially with those at highest risk...

Bathrooms have been found to be one of the biggest sources of disease transfer. Isolate one bathroom for high risk people, and leave the exhaust on.

4. Contact surfaces aren't the biggest thing.

I have seen the 'clean every surface!' meme repeatedly...but honestly, there isn't much proof COVID spreads that way. Definitely be clean, but don't lose your mind over that.

5. Fans?

If you have fans, or can open windows if not outside...that can't hurt. Again, its hard if you are Minnesota...

6. Distancing at Dinner

This is going to suck. Most people want to be all around a single table, but that isn't ideal now.

Ideal would be to have people eat in separate rooms, but...yeah. Not going to happen.

[cont]

If you are outside or have a huge room/basement, you can try to have multiple tables in a large circle...allowing for farther distance from one another. Again, not ideal. But...you have to decide what risk you are willing to take, and honestly...dinner is the highest risk time.

7. Common sense.

Be smart. Use your brain. Your own personal responsibility is the best safety mechanism.

I wish you all the happiest (and safest) of Thanksgivings.