Shiawassee Times

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced the release of a set of suggestions regarding the celebration of Thanksgiving later this month, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.  

First, Whitmer says that residents should get together outside whenever possible because the risk of contracting COVID-19 is 20 times higher when gathering inside. If residents do gather inside, only including two households with a total of ten people or fewer can make it safer.

Next, residents should wash their hands regularly and try not to share any eating utensils. Wearing a mask, except when eating or drinking, and trying to remain 6 feet apart as much as possible are both effective strategies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that, as of November 10, the coronavirus cases in Michigan and across the U.S. are rising.

"Unfortunately, the COVID-19 epidemic is worsening, and small household gatherings are an important contributor to the rise in COVID-19 cases," according to the CDC's website. "CDC offers the following considerations to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings. These considerations are meant to supplement -- not replace -- any state, local, territorial or tribal health and safety laws, rules and regulations with which all gatherings must comply."