Massachusetts Covid cases are creeping up once again, just in time for cold weather, flu season and the holidays. Positive cases have dropped over the last two months after the delta variant fueled an increase this summer, but the state’s positive test rate has risen over the past two weeks from below 1.7% to a seven-day average of 2.15%.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner — so how can you celebrate with friends, family and loved ones while staying as safe as possible? Here are some expert-led tips.
If you’re unvaccinated, there’s still enough time to be protected for Thanksgiving — health experts suggest getting an appointment for a one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, to let you celebrate with family without a mask and with more peace of mind.
For those unvaccinated, health experts suggest masks or celebrating remotely. Even with a fully vaccinated party, health officials suggest keeping celebrations small, to avoid mixing households and keeping windows open.
“You don’t want to be the Grinch that stole Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert. “But this may not be the time to have a big family gathering. That doesn’t mean no one should gather for Thanksgiving. It’s not going to be one size fits all. You’ve got to be careful. It depends on the vulnerability of the people you’re with and your need to protect them.”
While it may be disheartening to spend a second Thanksgiving with restrictions, it’s worth continuing to observe precautions as homes are still a source of transmissions.
Happy Thanksgiving, and we look forward to taking you and your loved ones on your next adventure.