Most In AZ Planning Thanksgiving Within Household: Patch Survey

ARIZONA — Most Arizonans plan to spend the Thanksgiving holiday celebrating within their own household only as coronavirus cases spike in the state and across the country, according to a Patch survey.

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

The vast majority of the 49 respondents said they planned to celebrate within their own household (63.3 percent) or plan on celebrating virtually (6.1 percent), some respondents (14.3 percent) still planned on celebrating with family and friends outside of their household.

Some respondents also shared more details about why they were limiting their plans this year.

"We will take a morning walk/hike per usual and just my husband, kids and eye will have Thanksgiving dinner later," wrote one respondent. "We have guests coming on Nov. 28 (my husband's birthday) for an outdoor only gathering. Total of our family, plus 5 friends for 9 people total with outdoor dining only. I am at high risk, and will wear a mask outside as well."

"Limiting the size of the gathering (less than 10), eating out of doors, separating by setting 2 tables, wearing masks indoors, and of course hand sanitizing and socially distancing," wrote another.

Others said they had canceled their travel plans due to the coronavirus' spread.

"We typically travel back to Ohio for Thanksgiving," wrote one respondent. "We cancelled our trip this year."

Others said they aren't making any changes this year, despite the pandemic.

"I'm hermitting as usual, and will likely do the same for the holidays," wrote one person.

Another said they would prefer not to be alone on Thanksgiving.

"If this is your last holiday, will you be thrilled to be all alone but SAFE???," they wrote.

Arizona officials have not instituted any new restrictions as the holiday approaches, but the Arizona Department of Health Services did come out with some guidelines for celebrating Thanksgiving.

The department recommends the following:

• Celebrating outside in your yard or at a park
• Minimize the number of guests, especially those in a high-risk category
• Physically distance if you can; only hug or touch those in your household
• Wear masks if your gathering includes people from outside your immediate household
• Celebrate with your quarantine pod and virtually meet with other family members and friends
• Wash your hands before and after preparing, serving and eating food
• Use hand sanitizer, and provide each guest with a bottle of their own
• Avoid self-serve or buffets. If sharing food, have one person serve or use single-use utensils.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also announced at his Wednesday news conference that the health department is working with Arizona's airports to provide free testing for winter visitors and snowbirds. Testing will be voluntary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released updated guidance on Thanksgiving celebrations. Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of an immediate household is considered a higher risk than small outdoor gatherings or virtual gatherings.

Respondents to Patch's survey also overwhelmingly said they were concerned about how Thanksgiving will contribute to a rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations (75.5 percent.) Respondents also agreed that those celebrating with people outside of their households should wear face masks (71.4 percent.)