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As we all know, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. A day where you can be with friends and family, eat all the food you want, make new memories and be thankful for everything you have.

The question is: “Will COVID-19 affect Thanksgiving 2020?” Ever since March, COVID has ruined the life of many, and now it could ruin Thanksgiving. 

Officials have suggested those those who wish to spend Thanksgiving with family should essentially quarantine for the two weeks prior, even for a small, outdoor gathering.

With the holidays approaching, officials are bracing for a continued increase in cases, along with higher rates of hospitalizations, which they say could overwhelm the state’s health care system. 

If coronavirus numbers don’t start dropping, tightening up on restrictions is possible.

State Department of Health data shows the rolling seven day average of new cases was 807 per day in late October. New COVID cases for November are already being reported at higher rates than at any previous point during the pandemic. 

The CDC says you shouldn’t travel for Thanksgiving but if you do plan on traveling for the holiday, here is how you reduce risk.

• Wear a mask. Make sure the mask fits snugly against the sides of your face and wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you.
  • Keeping 6 feet from others is important especially for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Wash your hands.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and keep hand sanitizer with you. 
• Attending a gathering.
  • Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
  • Wear a mask and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.

COVID-19 is not only ruining the holidays, it is also ruining holiday shopping. Normally people would go shopping on Thanksgiving and on Black Friday but because of the pandemic, you can only go shopping on Black Friday.

According to BestBlackFriday.com, these stores will remain closed on Thanksgiving:

• Bath & Body Works
• Bed Bath & Beyond
• Best Buy
• Boscov’s
• JCPenney
• Kohl’s
• Macy’s 
• Target
• Dick’s Sporting Goods
• Walmart
• Ulta 

COVID-19 may affect your holiday, but it does not mean that you still cannot enjoy the time with your friends and family. Make every moment last and enjoy every second of it.

As Mr. Partner always says: “Be good, be safe, make the right choices and go Blue Devils.”