OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, doctors worry extended family gatherings over the holidays could make the pandemic worse.
Up to 45 percent of kids don't show any symptoms when they have COVID-19. But they still pose a risk to other family members, according to Dr. Lauren Maskin, Pediatric Hospitalist and Medical Director of Inpatient Medical Surgical Services at Children's Hospital and Medical Center.
“We know as families get together for the holidays there is going to be more transmission,” Dr. Maskin said. “The best way we can try to circumvent that is go back to all of those safety practices and consider not doing those social gatherings especially if you’re going to be gathering with people with medical conditions that put them at risk.”
Canceling your extended family gathering doesn't mean you can't make memories together.
“It’s time to think outside the box,” Carrie Dayton, Owner of Carrie Dayton Events and Consulting, said.
She said this is the perfect year to start new traditions.
“We’re also seeing a trend toward those time-honored crafts such as decorating a beautiful table, such as writing a handwritten note,” Dayton said. “People are turning back to those moments and so it’s a great time to get out of your pajamas and put together a beautiful Thanksgiving table.”
She also suggests cooking together virtually.
“Sending that recipe out to each other via email and then making that recipe together on the day of Thanksgiving,” Dayton said. “Did you guys have enough salt and pepper? Did you put enough sage in? What do you think about this? Making that experience about making that recipe together.”
If football is a favorite on Thanksgiving in your house, Dayton suggests playing football bingo virtually and checking in with everyone during commercial breaks.
She said events are all about making memories and 2020 should be no different.
“The laughter of stumbling through a bingo game, the laughter of trying to make Grandma Yvonne’s stuffing and everybody making a mistake. Those are the memories that we remember years from now that create so much happiness and joy,” Dayton said.
Web Extra - An extended interview with Carrie Dayton: