Many Alabamians Won't Travel This Thanksgiving: Patch Survey

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A Patch survey shows that many Alabamians will spend Thanksgiving this year in their own homes with immediate family due to the recent spike in coronavirus cases in Alabama.

The survey, which appeared this week in questionnaire form, is not meant to be a scientific poll but only give a broad idea of public sentiment.

Health officials have advised against large gatherings for Thanksgiving, considering the exponential increase in new COVID-19 cases and deaths from the virus in November.

I think it is important for all of us to think and rethink how we want to celebrate Thanksgiving this year," said Dr. Mark Wilson, Jefferson County Health Officer. "Being together, indoors, without masks is a recipe for transmission."

Half of the 114 people who responded to the Patch survey said they will celebrate Thanksgiving this year with their household only, while 36 percent said they will celebrate outside their homes.

As far as traveling for Thanksgiving, 69.3 percent said they will not be traveling this year. Only 8.8 percent said they are traveling out of state, while 21.9 percent said they are traveling, but doing so locally.

When asked if they think people should wear masks when visiting with those outside their households, 60.5 percent said they do.

nearly 80 percent of respondents said they are concerned about how Thanksgiving will contribute to a recent rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Alabama and the U.S.

"My family usually visits with family in MS it they come here to us," one reader said. "This year, we are all doing things individually to ensure we are not subject to spread."

"We always travel and gather with extended family members, but will forgo the tradition for this year due to many college students in our family who have tested positive for COVID, but asymptomatic," another reader said. "We are considered high risk due to our age and compromised immune system."

Another respondent said they were "Hoping to sacrifice thanksgiving with our family so we can celebrate Christmas together."

Many of the readers who commented on the survey said they usually do have large gatherings at Thanksgiving, but have had to adjust those plans this year. Some will visit with familt virtually during Thanksgiving.

"We normally celebrate out of town with about 25 extended family members," a reader said. "In over 50 years, this will be the 2nd time celebrating without my parents. Luckily they are pros at Zoom now!"