Calgary 
Credit: Govt. of Alberta
Alberta’s top doctor isn’t calling on Albertans to cancel Thanksgiving, but adds gatherings shouldn’t exceed 15 people and those invited should be part of a family’s usual cohort.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw said, “When shopping for your Thanksgiving dinners, maintain physical distancing, wash or sanitize your hands often, and observe local mask requirements. Food plays a big part in many holiday get-togethers. Please have one person plate everyone’s meals so people are not sharing serving utensils. Or, even better, consider having pre-portioned servings, ordering take-out or perhaps having guests bring their own food.”
She also asked Albertans to visit loved ones in care homes only by appointment only and follow all facility protocols.
Alberta Health has released the following guidelines for safe holiday entertaining:
- Be aware of COVID-19 laws and health restrictions in your community and the community you are travelling to.
- Try to limit contacts in the two weeks prior.
- Be symptom-free for two weeks prior, and if you feel unwell stay home.
- Visit for shorter periods of time if and when possible.
- Wear a mask when travelling with other and sanitise hands frequently.
- Ensure space for physical distancing of people from different cohorts.
- Ensure proper ventilation with outside air to help reduce airborne contaminants. Keep windows open (weather permitting) to increase
ventilation indoors. - Weather permitting, have events outside to reduce the risk.
- Limit the time spent and the number of people indoors.
- Ensure proper cleaning and disinfecting of high touch surfaces, shared items and dishes.
- Have one person wearing a mask plate/serve everyone’s meals so people are not sharing serving utensils.
- Consider having pre-portioned food, ordering takeout, or asking guests to bring their own meals.
- Choose activities without shared items and where participants can maintain physical distance as much as possible.
