Thanksgiving is looking a little different this year. The panic for holiday preparation, new travel restrictions, and getting distant family together has new challenges due to COVID-19. Governor Cuomo has set new travel restrictions for those in New York state.

Many are reconsidering traveling and family gatherings due to pandemic. Families can lower the risk of spreading Covid-19 by having dinner with immediate family, shopping online, and watching events from home.

High-risk activities include shopping in packed stores, attending crowded parties, and gathering large indoors. Traveling is also a high-risk activity because it increases your choice of getting or spreading Covid-19. Some people are still choosing to travel for the holidays.

Freshman Karen Garcia said, “I’m actually traveling for Thanksgiving this year because I want to be with family in California. I know it might be a risk, but my family and I are taking care of ourselves and taking safety precautions and getting tested for Covid-19 before and after my flight.”

Other students, like junior Ciara Byrne, are enjoying the holiday at home. She said, “I’m not traveling for Thanksgiving because I like to stay home for Thanksgiving with my family and friends.’’

Even though the majority of students are staying home, a few are traveling. Karen Garcia, a freshman at WHBHS claims, “I’m actually traveling for Thanksgiving this year because I want to be with family in California. I know it might be a risk, but my family and I are taking care of ourselves and taking safety precautions. I’m also getting tested for Covid-19 before and after my flight because I want to make sure I’m not carrying any disease.”

New travel restrictions have been placed by the CDC. Travelers who are going to NY can test out of the 14 day quarantine by taking a COVID test within three days of landing in NY. Travelers need to get tested between three days after arriving and quarantine for at least three days. They also have to get tested on day four of arrival.

While quarantining, individuals must be out of public, wearing face masks if they have symptoms, and getting tested before and after traveling. People need to make sure they have good hygiene and cleaning supplies while self-quarantining.

The best advice to stay safe this Turkey day is to limit your interactions, if you must travel, make sure you’re protecting yourself and others. The sooner we limit exposure, the sooner we can stop the spread of Covid-19.