When the fall semester began, Tech students were informed that our fall break would be bumped from the semester in order to mitigate the risk of students contracting and spreading of COVID-19 on campus. In these next several weeks, as final projects and exams come into our horizons, many of us will be looking forward to the first long break of the school year: Thanksgiving.
This year, however, Thanksgiving also harkens the end of the semester, with the week acting as a buffer between regular classes and the online final exam period. Though many of us will be spending this time studying for exams or stitching together research papers, we shouldn’t forget to celebrate the true meaning of this holiday. Though it may feel as though the pandemic would cancel such a social holiday, there are still ways to celebrate with your friends and family without having to sacrifice your social or physical health.
In anticipation for the coming holiday season, the CDC released supplementary guidelines for families to observe in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure. These include suggestions on gathering sizes and locations, safe traveling and celebration activities. According to these suggestions, risk depends greatly on the protocols and nature of the event. Attending outdoor events could potentially be safe if social distancing is maintained, masks are worn and proper hygiene is used.
Though public transportation is a high-risk activity to undertake at this time, it is a necessary motion for many of Georgia Tech’s students. The CDC advises anyone who anticipates utilizing any forms of public transportation to review their guide for safe travel, mass lodging and dining. Avoiding scenarios where large groups of people may be present as well as taking every step to isolate yourself and your personal items from contact with others.
With case numbers on the rise recently and the potential consequences of unsafe Halloween celebrations, it may be best to follow the lowest risk procedures to combat any further spread of the virus. As has been consistent with this virus, staying home with the same people you have been with for the pandemic is the best way to reduce exposure.
In my family and likely many others, the first tradition to kick-off the Thanksgiving Day celebration is the whole family watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. However, last month Macy’s made an announcement that the parade will be “television-only special presentation without the crowds or traditional parade route”. The company explained that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the parade will be drastically smaller with only 25% of the regular volume of participants parading this year. Despite these changes, Macy’s intends to put on a spectacular parade with new balloons and continuing the tradition of its most famous floats. Tune in to NBC on November 26th at 9:00am – and that goes for every time zone!
By using and following the many CDC guidelines for group gatherings, we can celebrate Thanksgiving by doing our part to protect our fellow neighbors and communities. After all, that is the spirit of this holiday, to show our appreciation and love for the important things in life.