NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — With Thanksgiving around the corner and COVID-19 cases rising across the nation, many are wondering whether there's a way to safely share the holiday with family and friends.
Dr. Bruce Polsky of NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island said if it's possible to quarantine before the holiday and get a negative COVID-19 test that is ideal.
"A negative test is great, there is a risk that it will provide a false sense of security if it's not coupled with a period of self quarantine," Polsky said.
Polsky said if you have to have the Thanksgiving holiday inside, your best bet is to celebrate with those you have been spending day-to-day life with.
If you want other family and friends, keep it small. He cautions that even 10 people could be too many.
"The safest approach is that they should be on self quarantine before coming and to be tested as near to the time that they come into the household as possible," Polsky said.
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For who are unable to quarantine, Polsky recommends celebrating on Zoom, especially adults who are going in to work and children who are going to school.
An outdoor Thanksgiving celebration is also another options, especially if you have heaters or a fire pit.
"If some of the day can be spent outdoors that would be a good thing. If when people come indoors, the windows and doors can be opened to allow ventilation, that's also a good thing," Polsky said. "All of these measures add up, but the key is to keep the density low."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.
Mask wearing, social distancing and frequent hand washing should be a part of all get-togethers.
If attending a gathering, the CDC recommends bringing your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
Those hosting a gathering should designate one person to serve food.
Click here to see all of the CDC's tips for a safe Thanksgiving.