The Peru Gazette

Celebrating Holidays Safely

Plattsburgh, November 20, 2020. Cases of COVID-19 have increased significantly in our community over the past few weeks, leaving local health officials concerned about the upcoming holidays. According to the Clinton County Health Department, Clinton County has seen an additional 155 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 over the past two weeks. As of today, November 20, 2020, the Department reports 102 active cases of COVID-19 in Clinton County.

“The holidays are generally a time for celebration when extended family and friends come together. We understand the value of this time, especially in a year that has been difficult for so many. As much as we want to, this is not the year to bring the whole family together for Thanksgiving and other celebrations,” stated John Kanoza, Director of Public Health in Clinton County. “We are encouraging all residents to keep their celebrations small and to stay local this Thanksgiving.”

“The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with people in your household. While this is our recommendation, we realize that some will choose to celebrate with people outside of their immediate household,” noted Mr. Kanoza. “For those choosing to spend time with people that they don’t live with, we urge you to take steps to decrease risk to yourself and your family.”

Residents are encouraged to take steps to make their celebrations safer, including:

– Be outside as much as possible.

– If indoors, wear a mask at all times that it is possible to do so.

– Open windows to increase ventilation if you can.

– Keep 6 feet or more of distance from others.

– Wash your hands often.

– Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.

– Limit the amount of time you spend at indoor gatherings.

– Hosts and guests should have conversations ahead of time to set expectations for celebrating together.

“In addition to attending a gathering, traveling in and of itself increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home, with your immediate family is the best way to protect yourself and others,” said Mr. Kanoza. “People you care about can give you COVID-19. And you can give it to them. Show your thanks, love and respect for your family members’ health and safety by staying small and local this year.”

For up-to-date New York State COVID Travel Advisory quarantine regulations, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory.

Additional guidance to make Thanksgiving celebrations safer may be found at https://www.cdc.gov/…/daily…/holidays/thanksgiving.html.

Note: 6 additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive cases have been reported and 14 individuals have recovered since our 11/19 update. Our next case update will be shared on Monday, November 23.