How to help make celebrations safer | News | newsandtribune.com
Purdue University Extension educator Janet Steffens in Floyd County says to use a meat thermometer to determine if your turkey is cooked. Check in the inner part of the thigh, the inner part of the wing, and the thickest part of the breast. The thermometer should read 165° F in all three places. For more tips from Steffens, go to https://bit.ly/SafeThanksgivingDinner
Most importantly, while it’s still imperative that unvaccinated people get vaccinated, a significant percentage of the U.S. population has had the one- or two-shot regimen.
“Being vaccinated is still the safest way to have a holiday gathering this season,” said Baptist Health Floyd Chief Medical Officer Dr. Emily Volk. “Vaccines for both COVID-19 and influenza for all of the family and friends gathering will increase the chances that no one leaves a Thanksgiving feast in danger of developing life-threatening illness.”
Five practices for disease-preventionIf you’re planning to celebrate the holidays with loved ones, good for you! The social bonds that have been tested and strained by this pandemic are so important to our health and happiness.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is unquestionably the best way to reduce your risk of serious illness. Vaccination is fast, free, safe, and effective.
COVID-19 testing is readily available at sites all over Southern Indiana, the U.S. and around the world. Should you and the people you’ll be seeing on Thanksgiving choose to get tested just before your event and everyone tests negative, you can be confident that your group’s risk of transmitting the virus to one another is greatly reduced.
Wearing a mask when you aren’t eating or drinking doesn’t guarantee that you won’t contract COVID-19 or spread it to someone else, but it does lower the risk significantly.
COVID-19 is primarily spread by airborne particles. Having windows open and air continuously moving through rooms where people are gathering helps lower the risk that anyone will inhale lingering virus particles. And, of course, no ventilation can match the air movement that takes place outside.
While you want to be close enough to others to enjoy their company, the farther apart you are, the lower your risk is of contracting or spreading the virus.
If you’re able to be with family and friends for Thanksgiving, that may be the top thing to be thankful for. And if you practice a little caution regarding disease transmission at the event, perhaps the only things exchanged will be hugs, smiles, and stories.