Large in thanks but small in size — that’s the advice of B.C.’s Dr. Bonnie Henry about how to enjoy Thanksgiving this weekend.
“Many of us are thinking ahead to Thanksgiving celebrations this weekend,” said Dr. Henry. She continued to say that new guidance for safer celebrations while COVID-19 remains in our communities is now available on the BCCDC website.
Dr. Henry also advised against travelling to visit friends and family.
“While many of us would often travel to friends and family to spend time together, now is the time to stay closer to home and have a smaller gathering instead,” she said.
“If you are getting together with your ’safe six’ for Thanksgiving, limit your time together prior to or following your meal, seat guests as far apart as possible and opt for individual servings instead of a buffet. And always remember if you are at all feeling ill, show you care by staying home and away from others.”
The BC Centre for Disease Control is also advising people to spend less time together this holiday.
For indoor gatherings, the CDC said that more ventilation, bigger rooms and less time spent together are key to reducing the risk of transmission.
READ MORE: How to safely enjoy Halloween and Thanksgiving
As far as food and drinks go, the CDC recommended limiting alcohol or any substances that could make it more likely for people to lower their inhibitions and not follow best practices. The agency recommended not having buffet style meals and providing hand washing and sanitizing opportunities for people and discouraging them from sharing drinks or plates.
Interior Health reported a total of 13 new cases in the region over the weekend on Monday, Oct. 5 — including two linked to an outbreak at a Kelowna church. This brings the total of active cases in the interior to 548. Meanwhile, cases contiune to surge on the coast. B.C. reported 358 new cases on Monday.
READ MORE: Interior Health reports 13 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend
READ MORE: Weekend sees 358 new COVID-19 cases, 4 deaths in B.C.
monique.Tamminga@pentictonwesternnews.com
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