While some families may desire returning to pre-pandemic Thanksgiving traditions, health officials advise caution as Iowa’s COVID-19 hospitalizations mirror this date a year ago.

Most of the United States and all but two of Iowa’s counties are currently under a high risk of community transmission of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Around 400 new COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in Iowa in the past month, with last week’s total at 7,268. For the impending holiday, Washington County Public Health tells KCII that, “Everyone needs to re-evaluate their own healthcare risks at this time, including underlying health conditions, their own vaccination status and their comfort level with holiday gatherings.”

For a safer way to celebrate the holiday season, the CDC recommends getting yourself and other loved ones who are eligible vaccinated in order to protect those younger than five who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, and even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission. If you are sick or have symptoms, do not host or attend a gathering. Find other recommendations by visiting here.