Arlington Balks At Traditional Holiday Celebrations

ARLINGTON, MA — State and local officials are asking residents to consider alternatives to traditional holiday celebrations this year. Residents are asked to keep celebrations small and be aware of Massachusetts travel orders if they plan on leaving the state.

"We are all thankful for the efforts of many residents and businesses during the pandemic to keep everyone safe," Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said in a statement. "However, COVID-19 doesn’t take a holiday. As Canada has recently learned, gathering at Thanksgiving is a high risk. It’s best to minimize your gatherings this holiday season to household members or find alternative ways to celebrate."

A recent surge in positive COVID-19 cases in Canada was attributed to the country's Thanksgiving in early October. Health officials said Canada is a "cautionary tale" for Arlington and the United States if the public chooses to participate in traditional holiday gatherings.

"No one wants to spread the virus to loved ones," Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Bodie said in a statement. "However, Thanksgiving, birthdays, and after school gatherings of larger groups all raise the risk of seeing more positive cases of COVID-19, which can result in Arlington moving toward remote learning and the subsequent disruptions this change will make."

The Centers of Disease Control and Massachusetts Department of Public Health have compiled high-, moderate- and low-risk activities for the holiday season.

"We have the ability to curb the spread of the virus," Christine Bongiorno, director of Health & Human Services, said. "We’re hopeful about the news we are hearing and preparing for when a vaccine will arrive. Until then, we all need to be taking these warnings seriously as we enter the holiday season. We are currently seeing a steady uptick in cases, and if people participate in traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, we will see additional increases in our community and beyond."

This year for the holidays, or any celebration, it is recommended you participate in lower-risk activities, such as virtual gatherings or household-only celebrations.

Any time you're near people outside your immediate household:

• Wear a mask when not eating or drinking
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Stay at least six feet apart from others
• Consider if those around you may be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions, and take extra precautions
• If gathering indoors, improve ventilation by opening windows and doors

Lower-risk celebrations

• Limit in-person holiday gatherings to only people you live with or limit to a small group of individuals with whom you are regularly in contact.
• Gatherings with more people pose more risks. As a reminder, gatherings in Massachusetts are subject to gathering size limits.
• Keep visits short – gatherings that last longer pose more risk than short gatherings.

Avoid these activities

• Avoid sharing food and drinks.
• Avoid shaking hands and hugging. Wave and verbally greet others instead.
• Avoid singing, dancing, and shouting. These activities increase your chances of catching COVID-19 through the air.
• Avoid in-person gatherings with people at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults and people with certain medical conditions.

All residents are also encouraged to get the flu vaccine. For additional information, please refer to the holiday guidance provided by the CDC at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#thanksgiving.