Thanksgiving advice from Doctor Bonnie Henry, Halloween Hints from the BC CDC

With the fall full of special occasions including Thanksgiving, Halloween and Remembrance Day, both Public Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control have outlined some guidelines towards how to approach these events in this time of COVID.

In her Monday afternoon COVID update, Doctor Henry outlined how British Columbians have responded to the call to reduce the curve of the summer and early fall, noting that this weekend will be a time for caution as Thanksgiving get togethers take place, suggesting a smaller more familiar collective for this year.

"This year I encourage everybody make our celebration, Large in Thanks, Large in Gratitude but Small in Size. As we saw this summer, travelling to other communities can sometimes mean we bring this virus with us. So instead, while many of us would often travel to friends and family, whoever our family is, to spend time together. This weekend stay close to home, have a small gathering instead."

Among her suggestions beyond limiting personal observances of Thanksgiving to the small and familiar group in your bubble, the Doctor suggests reaching out to your extended friends and family through virtual means. 

As well, she notes that limiting time together inside, making for safe and spaced out seating options and to provide for individual servings, as opposed to a buffet style and do not share food or drinks.

She also observes that if you are not feeling well, show you care by staying home.

Her full presentation for the day, including the follow up Question and Answer period that featured themes of the upcoming social events can be reviewed below, the Thanksgiving notes arrive at the 27 minute mark.

Further guidance on fall celebrations is available from the BC CDC website, among their notes some thoughts on how to make Halloween a safe experience for all this October 31st.

Among the themes a recommendation to skip Halloween parties this year, trick or treat in small groups and be creative when handing out treats.

More on how the BC CDC recommends we approach Halloween can be found here.

Their guidance for Safer Celebrations for all events this fall and into the winter can be reviewed here.

You can access the latest notes on the response of British Columbia to COVID can be explored further on our archive page here.