The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued its first guidelines for a safe Thanksgiving during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The CDC says that because travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, staying home during Thanksgiving is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Having 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.

Having a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family.

Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving or the next Monday.

Watching sports events, parades, and movies from home.

Having a small outdoor dinner with family and friends who live in your community

Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing.

Attending a small outdoor sports events with safety precautions in place.

Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving.

Participating or being a spectator at a crowded race.

Attending crowded parades.

Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household.