Local residents share how the pandemic has impacted their Thanksgiving Day plans

With many health officials advising against large family gatherings on Thanksgiving during the pandemic, many people are having to rethink their traditional holiday day plans.

Mississippi's State Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs, advised against large gatherings during Thanksgiving, stating that an uptick in cases could come from these holiday gatherings.

Two local residents shared that their Thanksgiving Day plans have changed this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Saying that their family gathering will be significantly smaller this year, hoping to prevent the spread of the coronavirus amongst family members during the holiday season. “We are doing something different, we’re flying to Virginia Beach to spend time with my daughter and her husband, my husband and I, it will be just us. So, it won’t be as big of a get together with all of the family,” said Vicky Kern.

"A little bit, because most family that usually wants to come down, can’t really come down. So, it made it bad for us to get together, like how we usually do. So, yea it has. I’m still ready to enjoy it, because you’ve got to be thankful for the littler things at all times,” said Trevion Hudson.

Another two people shared that they were sticking to their usual plans for Thanksgiving, but plan to remain cautious, still concerned about the virus.

“Just have a few people there, you know, and not a big crowd, because this virus is serious and we’re just trying to stay safe and have a good time,” said Anthony Parks and Fannelar Parks.

The CDC has released guidance on how you can safely celebrate thanksgiving this year, while preventing the spread of COVID-19 on its website.