Faribault Community Thanksgiving Event Will be Different

Recently I visited with Julie Fox, one of the organizers of the annual Faribault Community Thanksgiving Dinner held at the American Legion. There will be no sit down meal at the Legion this year but Fox told me they will be doing curbside meals and delivery.

After the General Election, November 3, 2020 she has agreed to stop by KDHL and visit on our AM Minnesota program to give us more details.

It sounds like the night before meal preparation might have some changes due to COVID-19 also.

Meanwhile Faribault Emergency Management Director Dustin Dienst forwarded to me some information from the Centers for Disease Control concerning having a safe holiday celebration during COVID-19.

COVID-19 can easily spread from one person to another during traditional holiday activities where people gather for shared meals or rituals. They say, "No matter the holiday, we want it to be a safe one for you and your family.

For gatherings:

Keep in mind that anytime you gather with people you don not live with, the risk of infection increases for everyone.

Stay home if you do not feel well or are at a higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 (CDC: People at Increased Risk). Invited guests should stay home if they have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days or are showing COVID-19 symptoms. Invited guests who live with people who are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 should think about any added risks to their loved ones.
Keep gatherings small. Keep indoor gatherings to 10 people or fewer and outdoor gatherings to under 25 people.
Hold small gatherings outside if possible. Wear masks and stay 6 feet away from other guests.
Open windows and/or doors to allow air flow., when possible, if gathering indoors.
Wear a mask indoors and outdoors if gathering with anyone that does not live with you.
Encourage guests to bring their own food, drinks, and treats. Do not share utensils or drinking cups.
Always stay at least 6 feet away from people that do not live with you.
Remember who came to the gathering . Keep a list of invited guests in case one of them gets COVID-19. This list will be helpful if you're contacted by a health department case interviewer.

Here are some resources for you:

CDC: Holiday Gatherings
Guidance for Safe Celebrations and Events (PDF)
CDC: Hosting gatherings or cook-outs
CDC: People at Increased Risk

Remember traveling increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Traveling: Considerations before traveling
CDC: Know Your Travel Risk
CDC: Know When to Delay Your Travel to Avoid Spreading COVID-19