HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Thanksgiving may be a bit different this year. Alabama health officials encourage us to keep our gatherings small.
The Alabama Department of Public Health says the number of cases are increasing and trending in the wrong direction, and with the holiday ahead; here are some tips to follow.
"We're a 10% positivity statewide. And looking just back in September we were a little over just 7%," says ADPH Assistant State Health Officer, Dr. Karen Landers.
Landers says Thanksgiving should be less crowded this year. "Really the safest way to have Thanksgiving this year is with your own household group," she says.
Landers defines the household group as the people you live with everyday. She says if you spend Thanksgiving with people outside your household, dinner should be outside.
"Perhaps having a gathering of people, a relatively small gathering, probably less than ten people outside, socially distanced," she says.
If weather doesn't permit and your family is forced to stay indoors, Landers says make sure there's enough space and people aren't crowded in a small room.
"Keeping the ventilation in the room very, very good. In addition to that still keeping people socially distanced," says Landers.
As for college students who are able to stay on campus - landers says to weigh the risks before trying to come home. the same risks apply to anyone.
"Are you going to travel across the state? Are you going to travel multiple states? Are you going to be in your car? Are you going to be in a plane?," says Landers.
Landers also recommends that people quarantine a couple weeks before travelling. She's also heard people talk about having virtual celebrations.
"Consider the ways you can still spread joy and love while keeping safe, like staying in smaller groups, living in your quarantine bubble and talking to family members virtually," says Landers.
Landers says the ADPH plans roll out additional guidelines next week.