Staying Safe In WA During Thanksgiving Dinner: CDC Guidance

SEATTLE — Thanksgiving dinner is almost here, and new guidance shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention helps show how Washingtonians can have a safe holiday with friends and family.

The U.S. still faces high numbers of daily COVID-19 cases and after a sharp decline in the number of cases mid-Septemer, cases are once again rising though they remain below the late summer peak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Nov.17, the seven-day average for cases is just over 88,000, according to CDC data.

A lot has changed since the CDC guidance was first issued. The Pfizer vaccine is now available to young kids between the ages of 5-11 and booster shots have gained FDA clearance for all adults. As of Nov. 15, more than 60,000 patients in that age range have already received their first dose in Washington, and the state DOH says it hopes to see that number rise even further as the holidays approach.

In Washington, case counts have been on the decline, but remain very high, and state leaders are urging anyone who is traveling for the holidays to get vaccinated or seek COVID-19 testing.

Related: DOH Stresses Importance Of COVID Testing As Holidays Approach

Here’s what Americans need to know to celebrate safely through the end of the year.

The CDC says getting vaccinated remains the best way to stay safe and protect others — including those who cannot get the vaccine yet, like young children under the age of 5.

According to research from the CDC, an unvaccinated person has more than six times the risk of testing positive for COVID-19 and more than 11 times the risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to a fully vaccinated person. And while fully vaccinated people can get infected with COVID-19, they are less likely to get seriously ill or die, but they can be contagious, the CDC says.

Anyone who’s not fully vaccinated should wear a well-fitted mask indoors in public and if your community has a substantial to high transmission of the virus, even those who are fully vaccinated should wear masks indoors in public, the agency writes. Children under 2 should never wear a mask, the CDC warns.

Americans should avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces and it’s safer to be outdoors, the agency says.

For anyone who may be sick or has symptoms, the message is to stay home and away from others. They should also get tested for the virus as should anyone who may have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, the agency says.

The CDC has also issued some additional guidelines, including for anyone with a weakened immune system who the agency warns may not be fully protected even if they have been fully vaccinated and have gotten an additional vaccine dose. The CDC advises that they should continue taking precautions currently recommended for anyone who is unvaccinated until their health care provider says otherwise.

And regardless of transmission levels, if someone in your household is at increased risk, has a weakened immune system or hasn’t been vaccinated, the CDC says people may choose to wear a mask in these situations.

Those joining gatherings with multiple households should take additional measures like getting tested and avoiding crowded indoor places before traveling, the agency says.

Anyone traveling for the holidays should consult the CDC’s travel page.