People are advised by the Centers for Disease Control to alter their Thanksgiving traditions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of Monday, Washington County’s 14-day positivity rate was 18.1%. The CDC says that with the recent rapid spread of COVID-19 across the country, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to stay home and enjoy the day with the people you live with. People are encouraged to wear a mask with two or more layers that covers both your mouth and your nose when around people outside of your household.

The CDC encourages people to remember that people without symptoms may be able to spread COVID-19 or the flu, and it is important to keep six feet of distance form others. Safe ways to celebrate include eating a meal at the same time as others and joining them virtually. People can also prepare their traditional dishes and deliver them to family and friends’ porches for a contactless exchange.

The CDC states that if you are going to be around people from other households during the holiday then wear a mask except the brief time you are eating, and have a small outdoor meal with people in your community. Limit attendance and have guests bring their own food and drink. For more tips on how to celebrate safely click here.

And remember that many area offices and businesses will be closed on Thursday for the federal holiday including city halls, courthouses, and the U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail.