Families Encouraged to Examine Thanksgiving Plans as COVID Spreads

Health officials are starting to break the news that families may want to forego traditional Thanksgiving celebration plans with the coronavirus pandemic raging through the country.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar says he understands how important the annual family gatherings are, but the risks of bringing the infection into your home or becoming infected by traveling are very real.  One observer put it bluntly saying, “Is having turkey and dressing worth infecting your loved ones?”

New York Governor directed that private indoor and outdoor gatherings be capped at no more than ten people starting November 13 in an effort to gain control on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

Enforcement of things like bars, restaurants and gyms being directed to close between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. falls to local police but Garnar admits admitting the limit on private gatherings is trickier.  He says he doesn’t “think people have to worry about someone knocking on their door” but residents should consider the restrictions and understand, in his words: “This is real. This is a pandemic” and it’s not a time for anyone to let their guard down.