The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is at home with members of your household only.  Gathering with people we don’t live with—even close friends and family—may spread COVID-19.  The more people we interact with at a gathering and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of becoming infected.

If you do plan on gathering for the holidays, keep these five tips in mind:

• Review your guest list: First, keep it small. Keeping it to your household is best; fewer than 10 people is good.  Next, think about who you are inviting.  Are any of them at risk of getting severely ill if they get COVID-19?  Consider connecting with those folks virtually instead.
• Do a health check: Find out if anyone on the guest list has had COVID-like symptoms such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath, in the last two weeks. Anyone with a fever or other symptoms, or anyone exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past two weeks, should stay home.
• Spread out: Set up seating so that people from different households can stay six feet apart. Sit outside rather than inside (which we understand is easier in Maricopa County than in some other parts of the country).
• Keep it short: Gather for less than two hours. Shorter periods of time when interacting with others give COVID-19 less chance to spread.  Shorter gatherings also make it easier to keep hands and surfaces properly sanitized and to avoid slip-ups in mitigation measures like mask wearing or social distancing.
• Consider the children: It’s tough for kids to stay apart. If possible, have them wear masks (if they’re over the age of 2) and avoid sharing toys or food.

Airports around the country have been busy this week despite CDC guidance asking people to postpone travel.

Airline travel, especially around the holidays, comes with risks.  While the virus does not spread easily on flights because of the way air is circulated and filtered, you may run into situations in lines and terminals that can make distancing difficult.  Masks are required at Sky Harbor International Airport, but you may encounter inconsistent mask wearing during your travels.  Here are some precautions to take if you plan to fly:

• Check airlines and airports for their policies and procedures about COVID-19.
• Check restrictions at your destination.
• Bring hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
• Consider what you would do if you became ill while you are away.
• Check policies about canceling due to crowded flights where social distancing is not possible.
• Visit CDC's travel website for more information.

Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people from outside your household. If traveling in a RV, you may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks, but you could still be in close contact with others while staying at RV parks overnight and while getting gas and supplies at public places.

CDC guidance on when to delay travel >

• Shop online if possible.
• Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up.
• Shop in open air markets staying 6 feet away from others and wearing a mask.

Many families have a great tradition around the holidays: they give back to others, by donating time, food, or other resources to people in need of a hand up, including those experiencing homelessness.  This year, it’s more important than ever to give in a way that considers the impact on the entire community.  We know that a meal takes care of hunger and a fresh pair of socks takes care of weathered feet but, in a point of crisis, it’s important to imagine what we can do to help beyond one-time gestures. Consider giving to trusted non-profits that serve these populations and can have a long-term impact on their lives.  One way to help is to donate to local food banks, which are experiencing record demand during the pandemic.

View more opportunities at GiveSmartAZ.org >

Our mild weather means people from all across the country come to Arizona for events during the fall and winter months.  For example, we know there are several youth sports tournaments planned in the coming weeks.

Public Health strongly recommends that if you are going to participate or watch in-person sports that you understand the risk of being exposed to COVID-19,  practice social distancing and wear a mask when possible, regardless of whether the event is held outdoors.  Currently cities and towns have oversight of all special events (and any event with over 50 persons, extended per Exec Order 2020-43) including club sports in their jurisdiction. Maricopa County has jurisdiction over any events in unincorporated Maricopa County. 

We will send out our next COVID-19 update newsletter on Monday, following the Thanksgiving holiday.

With county offices closed on Thursday and Friday, Public Health will update the COVID-19 dashboard as follows:

• Data from Wednesday (11/25) will be published to the dashboard on Saturday morning (11/28)
• Data from Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will be published to the dashboard on Sunday morning (11/29)

This means that the numbers reported on Sunday are likely to be much higher than a typical report.  Members of the public and media should keep in the mind that this will not change our epidemic curves, as data from Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will still be associated with those respective days. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive, you can find a place to get tested by visiting Maricopa.gov/COVID19Testing.  We have a list of community events where you can get a diagnostic test for free, as well as links to other options through Arizona Department of Health Services or private partners.

Whether you have insurance or not, you can get a free flu shot.  Find times and locations for all of our free flu vaccine events, at Maricopa.gov/flu.