CDC Advises Americans Not To Travel For Thanksgiving, Mask Up And Bring Own Food If They Attend Gatherings

Topline

As experts brace for a surge in coronavirus cases after Thanksgiving, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on Thursday, urging Americans not to travel for the holidays—instead celebrating virtually and with those they live with—or take special precautions if they do attend gatherings. 

Key Facts

Crucial Quote 

“From an individual household level, what’s at stake is basically an increased chance of one of your loved ones becoming sick and then hospitalized and dying,” Walke said. “We certainly don’t want to see that happen. These times are tough. It’s been a long outbreak.”

Key Background

A record-breaking number of Americans have contracted Covid-19 during the month of November, averaging over 160,000 new cases per day for the past week, while new deaths are creeping toward the levels seen in the pandemic’s worst months of April and May. Reporting over 1,900 new deaths on Wednesday, which brought the U.S.’s total death toll to above 250,000, experts warn that the average will soon reach 2,000 per day. In an already tense moment, many state leaders have urged residents to stay home during the holidays for fear that they could become superspreader events. Walke said one of the biggest concerns is that asymptomatic people may bring the virus into their communities as 30% to 40% of spread is driven by those who don’t know they have the virus. There’s “no more important time than now for each and every American to redouble our efforts and watch our distance, wash our hands, and most importantly, wear a mask,” he added. 

Further Reading 

“Coronavirus Surge In Canada After Its Thanksgiving Is A Warning For U.S.” (Forbes) 

“Thanksgiving Travel Will Create The Next Big Superspreader Event, Fear Experts” (Forbes)

“Do Not Ignore Covid-19 Safety This Thanksgiving” (Forbes)

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