'Thanksgiving Is Going To Look Different' | Tips To Stay Safe

PROVIDENCE, RI — As coronavirus cases continue to climb in Rhode Island, Gov. Gina Raimondo urged residents to make their Thanksgiving plans now, and to avoid large gatherings and interstate travel. Those who insist on having a traditional, large gathering are asked to take certain precautions to prevent virus transmission.

"Thanksgiving is going to be different," Raimondo said. "It's in the state's best interest if everyone stays local."

With cases on the rise in nearly every other state, as well as Rhode Island, travel, especially on a plane, train or bus, is risky, Raimondo said. It's possible that someone could travel for the holidays and get stuck at their destination if they develop symptoms and cannot return home safely. In addition, travel for a family gathering inherently means expanding the person's social group, which goes against state officials' push to keep groups as small as possible.

"In light of everything, it's probably not worth it to travel this year," Raimondo said.

Ideally, Thanksgiving gatherings should only include the immediate members of the household, Raimondo said. If gathering with people outside your household, wear masks whenever food isn't being served, and keep groups separated as much as possible, for example having some people eat outside if the weather allows, or setting up tables in different rooms. Taking steps such as delivering meals to friends and family or setting up a large video call can help foster the sense of togetherness so vital to the holiday, Raimondo said.

The governor acknowledged that not everyone will follow recommendations, and said she and state officials will not try to police anyone's gatherings. Instead, she asked people who insist on having large gatherings to avoid nonessential travel, social gatherings and activities in the 14 days leading up to and after the holiday, and to get tested both before and after.

This approach worked well with colleges and universities, she said, with most schools seeing "astoundingly low" case numbers after having students self-isolate for 14 days before returning to campus, greatly reducing the number of students who came to campus with the virus.

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