Thanksgiving and COVID: Risks still present when people gather

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – This weekend could very likely be the first time many families will gather for a holiday since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but experts are urging you not to let your guard down, noting the virus is still very much a part of our lives.

Vancouver’s Infectious Disease Centre says even if you’re allowed to gather in groups in B.C., it doesn’t mean the risk isn’t there.

Dr. Brian Conway explains even if everyone at your Thanksgiving dinner is vaccinated, there still is risk.

“There are still too many unvaccinated people out in the community that are fuelling community-based transmission, and a number of cases that are too high. So even vaccinated people need to be careful in this context,” Conway told NEWS 1130.

Related articles: 

• Data shows Canada’s COVID-19 transmission levels dropping, but caution still urged

• Thanksgiving gatherings need to be small, with fully vaccinated guests: Dr. Henry

• Want to gather for Thanksgiving? Get vaccinated, PHO says

Earlier this week, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry urged people to keep their gatherings small, and to ensure those you are spending time with are vaccinated.

Conway echoes that messaging. He says we now know the risk of transmitting COVID-19 is 50 times higher in the unvaccinated than in vaccinated individuals. He notes the more unvaccinated people you have at your dining table, the greater the risk is of spreading the virus.

“If we can get the numbers down, if we can get more people vaccinated, then we could potentially start lifting restrictions. But for now, I think small groups of vaccinated people together for Thanksgiving makes a lot of sense,” he explained.

As you enjoy Thanksgiving plans this weekend, do your part to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Keep gatherings small, follow regional restrictions, and make sure everyone 12+ is vaccinated. Be aware of regional restrictions in your area: https://t.co/f1zpTluN80
 #CovidBC pic.twitter.com/gc8RRUbAuW

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) October 8, 2021

So what exactly does “small” mean? He says that depends on each individual, and what they’re comfortable with, within provincial rules.

“I think we should think of it the same way as we view going to a restaurant. So whatever you’re comfortable with, in terms of going out to a restaurant as a group, that’s probably the starting point, in my mind, for the size limit of a gathering in your home,” he added.

‘We will determine our future’

Telling an unvaccinated relative or friend they are not welcome at your home for Thanksgiving can be an awkward and uncomfortable conversation. But Conway says we all need to get used to this “COVID world,” adding it’s one that differentiates between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

“Especially when it comes to discretionary events, to non-essential events. This is how it needs to be framed: We are going to survive COVID if we follow the rules, and right now the rules are vaccinated and unvaccinated people mixing indoors for any length of time is risky,” he said.

Meanwhile, new federal modelling released Friday shows transmission levels are starting to drop nationally, and numbers could continue to decline in the weeks ahead. However, the data also notes rates are still very high in some regions of Canada.

If things continue to trend in the right direction, Canada’s top doctor has said we could see further decline over the coming months.

And with Christmas and other holidays about two months away, Conway believes we should be planning right now to address vaccine concerns and focus on getting those who have not yet received a jab to roll up their sleeves.

“As the numbers go down, hopefully the restrictions and recommendations will be a little less strict when it comes to Christmas,” he said Friday. “We will determine our future.”