In spite of the CDC warnings, a lot of people are planning to see family on Thanksgiving. Because coronavirus can be spread while someone is asymptomatic or presymptomatic, there’s no way to know if your family is being infected. After months of carefully following COVID-19 restrictions, the family gathered for a birthday party. Those infected spread the virus to three other relatives who didn’t attend the party. By staying apart, we can fight this virus together.”The family does not have plans to gather for Thanksgiving.

With rapidly increasing case counts across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday it is recommending against all travel for the Thanksgiving holiday. The CDC is instead urging Americans to stay home and celebrate with only the people in your household. “The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is at home with the people who live in your household,” said Dr. Erin Sauber-Schatz. “We’re recommending not traveling this Thanksgiving.”Sauber-Schatz leads the task force that wrote the CDC guidelines urging Americans to change their traditional Thanksgiving plans. A recent study found that 20% of Americans still plan to gather with more than 10 people.

At the University of Michigan, students living on campus are being required to take a COVID-19 test before leaving campus. University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald says students are being asked to get tested within the seven days before going home to their families. Both Washtenaw and Ingham counties have had to issue and adjust emergency health orders in an effort to contain outbreaks at U-M’s and Michigan State University’s campuses. The state has reported record-breaking daily increases of COVID-19 cases multiple times in recent weeks. The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan has risen to 229,285 as of Wednesday, including 7,766 deaths, state officials report.

Health experts issued guidelines ranking traditional Thanksgiving activities from high to low risk. The CDC recommends avoiding higher risk activities, including shopping in crowded stores, participating in crowded races, gathering for meals inside and drinking alcohol. Moderate risk activities include attending small outdoor sporting events with safety precautions in place and having a small, outdoor dinner with family members and friends who live nearby. Low risk options include having a Thanksgiving dinner with only the people in your household, sharing a virtual dinner or delivering meals to loved ones without contact. America’s Thanksgiving Parade, presented by Gardner-White, will be a live, television only event continuing the 94-year tradition.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention has separated possible Thanksgiving activities into three categories: Low, moderate and high risk. Lower riskHaving a small dinner with only people who live in your household. Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others. Moderate riskHaving a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community. Attending a small outdoor sporting events with safety precautions in place.