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CDC recommends you stay home for Thanksgiving

UPDATED: NOVEMBER 19, 2020 AT 10:22 AM

The CDC in Atlanta. Photo: Shutterstock via CNN

BY BECKY BRUCE
News Director

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends Americans stay home rather than travel to visit friends or family over the Thanksgiving holiday.

In an advisory posted to the CDC website Thursday, the Atlanta-based agency said staying home for Thanksgiving is the best way to protect your health and that of your loved ones.

The advisory continued:

More than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States over the last 7 days.

As cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.

Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.

The CDC’s full Thanksgiving recommendations, including what to do if you must travel, can be found here.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Don’t touch your face.
Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
Get a flu shot.