As a student services worker at Oregon State University, I recently discussed with my supervisor the surge of students planning to return home for Thanksgiving. Unlike previous years, this year has us both feeling quite anxious. Thousands of our students are set to travel across the country, and it’s uncertain how many might be bringing COVID-19 back with them. This scenario is unfolding at universities nationwide.
Parents of college students are understandably concerned as well. Experts recommend that to celebrate the holidays safely, virtual gatherings are the best option. I understand this is not ideal—celebrating Thanksgiving over Zoom lacks that warm, familial touch. However, 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges, and it seems the worst of the pandemic is still ahead. As of mid-November, nearly 62,000 Americans were hospitalized with COVID-19, a number that has doubled since late September.
Precautionary Measures for a Safe Thanksgiving
If your college-aged child is coming home, there are several precautionary measures you can take to reduce the risk of infection. First and foremost, having them tested before departing campus—and again upon arrival—is crucial. Many colleges are conducting exit tests, but it’s vital to remember that a single negative test isn’t a guarantee of safety. Dr. Emily Carter, an infectious disease expert at Oregon Health & Science University, emphasizes that a test reflects only a moment in time and does not provide complete assurance of being virus-free. A notable case illustrating this is the recent outbreak among the Baylor University football team, which was likely exacerbated by misleading negative test results.
Once your child arrives home and is tested, maintaining social distancing and wearing masks should be prioritized. Surprisingly, mask-wearing and social distancing have become politicized, which is unfortunate since this is a matter of public health, not party lines. If your Thanksgiving gatherings include anyone outside your household, mask-wearing and maintaining distance is essential for everyone’s safety. Dr. Carter suggests that the only time family members should remove their masks is during meals, ideally eating in separate rooms or outdoors to minimize risk.
Outdoor Celebrations: A Safer Alternative
If outdoor dining is feasible where you live, it could be one of the safest options for your Thanksgiving celebration. Fresh air helps dilute the virus, reducing transmission risks. Consider enjoying Thanksgiving dinner around a campfire or engaging in outdoor games instead of being cooped up inside. Let’s face it, avoiding indoor activities could prevent potential family arguments, particularly during a game of Monopoly!
The reality is that this year is unlike any other. Promising vaccines are on the horizon, but they won’t be widely available until well into 2021. With cases on the rise, hosting a traditional family Thanksgiving poses significant risks.
I understand how much you miss your college student and want to shower them with hugs. But the virus doesn’t discriminate; it will exploit any opportunity. If your child is returning home for Thanksgiving, take the necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s well-being. The goal is to ensure that next year’s Thanksgiving can resemble what we remember.
Additional Resources
For more insights, check out this post on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in enhancing fertility, Make a Mom offers valuable information. For comprehensive details on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Women’s Health.
Search Queries:
- How to keep college students safe during Thanksgiving?
- COVID-19 precautions for family gatherings.
- Testing college students before holiday travel.
- Social distancing tips for Thanksgiving.
- Best practices for a safe Thanksgiving dinner.
Summary
As college students return home for Thanksgiving, it’s crucial for parents to implement safety measures to mitigate COVID-19 risks. Testing before and after travel, maintaining social distance, and wearing masks are essential steps. Outdoor gatherings may provide a safer alternative to traditional indoor celebrations. Emphasizing health this year can help ensure that families can enjoy future holidays together.
Keyphrase: COVID-19 Thanksgiving safety
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]