Celebrating Thanksgiving in 2020

​

​We all want to have traditional gatherings during this Thanksgiving Season, and the Jay County Health Department has given us some new ideas about how to be safe while gathering with family this season. To avoid increasing the likelihood of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu, follow these fun tips!

---

Everyone can make Thanksgiving safer by:
1. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth, make sure it's snugly against your cheeks
2. Stay at least 6 feet away from others that don't live with you
3. Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds; keep hand sanitizer with you just in case
4. Bringing your own utensils; pack up food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils to have minimal contact
5. Avoid going in and out of areas where food is being prepared and handled, such as the kitchen
6. Have a small outdoor meal if the weather permits it, otherwise open windows when inside
7. Limit the number of guests and set expectations for guests ahead of time
8. If sharing food, have one person serve food and use single-use options, like plastic utensils
9. Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose, and mouth
10. Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets

If you are unable to meet because members in your family are high risk, or for other reasons, consider other Thanksgiving Activities, such as:
1. Hosting a Virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don't live with you! Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually. Have people share recipes and show their turkey, dressing, or other dishes they prepared.
2. Watch television and play games with people in your household! Watch Thanksgiving Day parades, sports, and movies at home. Find a fun game to play.
3. Shopping! Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and days leading up to the winter holidays. Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up. Shop in open air markets staying 6 feet away from others.
4. Other creative activities such as safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a the area, or participating in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.