Algoma Public Health is sharing ways to keep everyone safe over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
The release emphasised that full vaccination is the best way to protect against COVID-19 during family gatherings, and to stay home if not feeling well.
They also recommend having plenty of supplies for hand-washing and sanitizing on-hand, reminding your guests to be aware of public health guidelines, and making sure that your turkey has been fully cooked.
The complete release is published below.
As Ontario is currently in the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Algoma Public Health is sharing the following ways for everyone to stay safe and healthy this Thanksgiving.
The best way to stay safe is to be fully immunized with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and to stay home if you are feeling unwell. This is especially important if you are visiting, dining with, or having other close contact with someone who is elderly or has a more vulnerable health status.
Rates of COVID-19 differ throughout the province and the Delta variant, which is much more transmissible and dangerous, has become the dominant strain causing COVID-19 cases.
If you are hosting a gathering, including a dinner with people you do not live with, it is important to remember that knowing someone does not reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19. Continue following good public health practises.
If you choose to host an in-person gathering:
- Keep the gathering small and use outdoor spaces whenever possible
- It is legally prohibited to have a gathering of more than 25 people indoors or 100 people outdoors
- Provide all the necessary supplies for hand hygiene, including hand sanitizer, soap and water.
- Open windows, if possible.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
- Ask guests to not attend if they feel unwell or have any symptoms, even if they are mild.
- Make a list of guests attending (name and contact information) in case it is needed by public health for contact tracing if someone later tests positive for COVID-19.
- Remind guests of public health guidance to follow during the event.
- If you choose to serve food or drinks at your party, you should:
- Wash your hands frequently before and during preparation and serving; and
- Have everyone wash their hands before and after eating.
Everyone’s individual level for risk of COVID-19 and comfort with gathering is different. It is important that we have open, honest conversations with our loved ones about what we are comfortable with, and show kindness and respect this thanksgiving toward the choices of our family, friends, and community members.
Cook your turkey safely
If you plan on cooking a turkey this weekend, we have some safe food handling tips to help keep your holiday food safe.
Safe food handling practices are key to preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and keeping your Thanksgiving dinner free of foodborne illness.
To learn more about the latest updates to public health guidance, read about the Current Situation in Algoma or visit Ontario's COVID-19 website.