Health Unit: Celebrate Thanksgiving Safely

Hello time traveller!!
This article is 1290 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.

This Thanksgiving Dr. Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health, is reinforcing recommendations set by the province to keep your celebration as small as possible.

For families they say that this means limiting your dinner to those only in your household. If you do host a guest outside your immediate household for Thanksgiving ensure that they do not attend if they are unwell.

“We have a lot to be thankful for. Overall, our community has done a great job, following recommendations and keeping each other safe. Limiting your close contacts to those in your household or those you provide direct care to is critical to keeping yourself, your family and our community healthy this Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Ahmed.

For a safe and healthy Thanksgiving this year:

• Cook together – Thanksgiving is a great time to enhance your foodskills, learn new recipes and cook together as a household. If you have kids get them involved with preparing and cooking your meal.
• Follow food safety guidance – Whether you’re preparing turkey this Thanksgiving or any other main dish, review and follow guidelines to ensure that you prepare and cook to prevent food related illness.
• Practice frequent hand washing – Before preparing or serving a Thanksgiving meal, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Families should also be washing their hands often throughout the day.
• Limit your celebration to your household – This year limit your dinner and in-person gathering to your household. If you live alone, share your meal with someone that is already part of your social circle. For more on restrictions and current guidance for social gatherings review the Reopening Ontario Act.
• Share a virtual family meal – A great way to celebrate is by meeting family members by phone or video chat to share a Thanksgiving meal together and celebrate! This is a great way to include family you may not be able to see in-person during this time.
• Spend time outside – Whether you are gathering indoors or outdoors, spending time outside as a family is always a healthy and refreshing way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Go for a family walk, or enjoy a family game of touch football!
• Keep it simple – Remember why you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the first place and consider staying home with the ones you love most. Enjoy spending time as a family by cooking together, playing board games, and saying what you’re thankful for this year.
• Send or share a dish – You may not be able to get together for dinner but you can prepare a favourite dish and share with friends or family. Drop off a care package on their doorstep.
• Stay home if you’re unwell.