Most New Yorkers Will Not Travel For Thanksgiving: Patch Survey

NEW YORK, NY — The airports might be packed with people ignoring advice not to travel to share Thanksgiving with family this year, but the vast majority of New York City residents don't plan to be among them.

A Patch survey found that more than 82 percent of city dwellers do not intend to travel. And more than 90 percent of respondents are worried that the holiday will result in a surge of illness.

Most people in NYC are planning this year's celebration to involve just members of their household, and fewer than 10 percent intend to connect with relatives virtually.

Patch's survey was taken as the number of infections in the city rose and Mayor Bill de Blasio closed down schools. Hospitalizations in New York State increased 122 percent over three weeks, with 6,000 hospitalizations expected in just a few weeks, even without the expected uptick in spread due to holiday gatherings.

Cuomo has specifically warned against "living room spread," referring to private gatherings in homes as more people congregate inside and avoid the cooler temperatures.

"I am concerned about Thanksgiving, and I do believe Thanksgiving could have a large impact if people are reckless: Traveling out of state, false sense of security with family, false sense of security being home," he said.

"Even the CDC now says beware of Thanksgiving. So I am concerned about Thanksgiving, and I am concerned about Thanksgiving then moving into the Holiday season, which is a social season."

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Americans postpone traveling for the holidays and stay home this year. Those who travel should cover their face while in public, get a flu shot before traveling, social distance from people outside their household and frequently wash their hands.

"I wish people would get a grip and behave like adults," one reader wrote.

"This pandemic isn't forever, after all, and it would all be over with a lot sooner if the population would display some patience, intelligence, self-discipline, and concern for others. I'm staying home and celebrating virtually. There's simply no other way to be safe and considerate."

Here are the results of our poll.