As someone who works in student services at a university, I recently had a conversation with my supervisor about how many students are planning to return home for the Thanksgiving holiday. In past years, this would have been a joyful topic, but this time, it brought us both considerable anxiety. With thousands of students traveling to various locations across the country, the concern about them potentially bringing COVID-19 back home is very real. This scenario is unfolding at colleges nationwide.
Naturally, parents of college students are likely feeling the same apprehension. Experts suggest that the safest way to celebrate the holidays this year is through virtual gatherings. I understand that a Zoom Thanksgiving lacks the warmth of in-person celebrations, but 2020 has been anything but ordinary. Despite nearly a year of living with COVID-19, the situation seems to be worsening. As of mid-November, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have surged, surpassing previous highs.
Precautions to Take
If your college-age child is returning home, there are several precautions you should take to reduce the risk of infection. First and foremost, arrange for them to be tested both before they leave campus and upon their arrival at home. Many colleges are implementing exit testing, but it’s crucial to remember that a single negative test only reflects the moment it was taken, as noted by Dr. Lisa Summers, a pediatric infectious disease specialist. False negatives can occur, as seen in various outbreaks linked to testing inaccuracies.
Once your child is home, prioritizing social distancing and mask-wearing is essential. Unfortunately, wearing masks has become a contentious issue, yet it remains a vital public health measure. If you’re going to be around anyone outside of your household during Thanksgiving, everyone must wear masks and maintain distance. Dr. Summers advises that the only time family members should remove their masks is while eating, ideally in separate rooms or outdoors.
Outdoor Celebrations
If you live in a place where outdoor gatherings are feasible, consider celebrating Thanksgiving outside. Open-air activities provide better ventilation and lower the risk of virus transmission. Some creative ideas include enjoying dinner around a campfire or engaging in outdoor games instead of being cooped up indoors.
The reality is that this year’s Thanksgiving will look different. While promising vaccines are on the horizon, they won’t be widely available until well into 2021. Increasing infection rates mean that traditional family gatherings pose significant risks.
I understand the longing to embrace your college student and share quality time together, but we must prioritize safety. Taking the right precautions ensures that everyone stays healthy and can look forward to future celebrations.
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Summary:
As college students return home for the holidays, it’s crucial for parents to implement safety measures, including testing and mask-wearing. With rising COVID-19 cases, virtual gatherings may be the safest option, but if in-person meetings occur, prioritizing outdoor celebrations and strict health protocols is vital to protect everyone’s well-being.