Montgomery County's Thanksgiving COVID-19 Guidance: Stay Home

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Days ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Montgomery County officials are reminding families not to host dinners or celebrations with anyone outside of their household due to the increasing prevalence of COVID-19.

"We are extremely concerned about Thanksgiving," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said, pointing to a rise in cases later traced to Halloween celebrations. "It does need to be a little different this year."

The guidance was first issued earlier this month amid the fall surge of the virus that has seen case rates skyrocket. It's since been echoed by the Centers for Disease Control, which urged all Americans last week to stay home for the holiday.

"What's at stake is basically the increased chance of one of your loved ones becoming sick and then being hospitalized and dying," Henry Walke, the CDC's COVID-19 incident manager, said during last Friday's news briefing.

The county's guidance, which classifies various activities into a low, moderate, or high risk category, is based on the CDC's recommendations.

And it's not just gatherings with people outside your household that health officials are warning against. It's any kind of long distance travel, including any car trips with one or more stops along the way.

Higher risk is train or bus trips or direct flights, while highest risk includes flights with layovers or cruise ships.

Even outdoor gatherings are considered "moderate" risk, the county says. Other moderate risks include outdoor sporting events, and pumpkin or apple picking.

Crowded parties, crowded shopping stores, crowded parades, and alcohol or drug use which increases risky behaviors are all considered high risk.

In all cases, stay six feet away from individuals outside your household and wear a mask at all times, officials advise.

See the county's full guidance here.