With Thanksgiving coming closer, Nova Scotia has released guidelines to ensure people are celebrating the holiday safely.
"Nova Scotians have made changes to their daily lives to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, and it's no different for Thanksgiving," said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, in a news release Monday.
As with all social gatherings, people can meet in groups of 10 without social distancing. When the gathering restrictions were lifted in late June, a group of 10 was not required to be exclusive, but people were encouraged not to meet in random or spontaneous groups. The Health Department is encouraging people to spend Thanksgiving with their consistent 10-people bubble.
"When deciding who to invite, consider the impacts on family and friends who may be more vulnerable and adjust your Thanksgiving celebrations to be as safe as possible," said Strang.
People living in households with someone feeling unwell or self-isolating shouldn't invite others over. Those feeling unwell or self-isolating should opt-out of any gatherings.
Rotational workers are still required to only spend time with members of their household. People who travel outside the Atlantic bubble are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return to Nova Scotia.
When it comes to food preparation, people should continuously clean and disinfect food contact surfaces, in addition to disinfecting high touch surfaces around the household, such as doorknobs, washrooms, tables and chairs. It's recommended one person prepares individual plates, instead of using shared platters, such as bowls and common utensils.
People should continue practising public health orders, such as handwashing and other hygiene steps, and maintain physical distancing as required. People can visit this website for more information on avoiding COVID-19 infection.
