CDC recommends virtual Thanksgiving

Reporter: Nicole Gabe Writer: Drew Hill
Published: Updated:
Balloons sit on Central Park West before the 90th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan, New York, U.S. November 24, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

With less than 60 days until Thanksgiving, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released its guidelines for fall holiday celebrations, recommending that Americans skip traveling altogether and only have dinner with people living in your household.

The CDC isn’t extremely popular with Americans right now. First, they told parents not to take their kids out trick-or-treating on Halloween. Now, they’re encouraging people to stay home on Thanksgiving and not have gatherings with extended family. But instead, to gather virtually.

They also suggest that football games and parades should be watched online. But the people WINK News Anchor Nicole Gabe spoke to said they want to keep their Thanksgiving traditions intact.

“Very disappointed. I think it’s ridiculous. Some of these things are getting carried away,” said Chris Mangin.

He said he’s not giving up on his Thanksgiving and don’t even think about ruining Christmas for him. “I’m a Christian so Christmas is obviously very important for that reason but the big thing is getting together with your loved ones and enjoying the time together,” Mangin said.

Mangin says he wants to see his children and grandchildren. “If there’s any chance of us getting together, we are going to get together. We’re not gonna let that stop us,” he said.

Payton Wells, on the other hand, is willing to consider the CDC’s advice about the holidays because, in 2020, we all have to make sacrifices.

“We are all making sacrifices, we are all in the same environment so it would be all right. It would be this year’s version of Thanksgiving,” he said.

Wells and Mangin both agree that they will do what’s best for their families. “Thanksgiving is all about family, it’s all about family,” Manging said.

The CDC also recommends:

  • Black Friday shoppers stay home and shop online;
  • Anyone watching sports should stay at home and watch from the living room; and
  • Those thinking of attending parades should avoid the crowds.

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