Here's How New Yorkers Will Celebrate Thanksgiving: Patch Survey

NEW YORK, NY — The vast majority of New Yorkers are concerned that Thanksgiving will contribute to the recent rise in coronavirus cases, but only half plan to celebrate solely with people in their own household. Furthermore, most believe people should wear a face mask if gathering with people outside their own household, and hardly anyone plans to travel out-of-state for the holiday.

But almost no one plans to celebrate virtually this year, take a coronavirus test before gathering, or self-isolate for two weeks ahead of time.

That's according to a survey of thousands of Patch readers, taken in the days leading up to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's announcement that new yellow and orange zones will go in effect for New York City and Long Island. The state is grappling with rapidly increasing numbers of cases and hospitalizations, he said. Hospitalizations increased 122 percent over three weeks, and the state is on track to reach 6,000 hospitalizations in just a few weeks, even without the expected uptick in spread due to holiday gatherings.

Cuomo has specifically warned against "living room spread," referring to private gatherings in homes as more people congregate inside and avoid the cooler temperatures.

"I am concerned about Thanksgiving, and I do believe Thanksgiving could have a large impact if people are reckless: Traveling out of state, false sense of security with family, false sense of security being home," he said. "Even the CDC now says beware of Thanksgiving. So I am concerned about Thanksgiving, and I am concerned about Thanksgiving then moving into the Holiday season, which is a social season."

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Americans postpone traveling for the holidays and stay home this year. Those who travel should cover their face while in public, get a flu shot before traveling, social distance from people outside their household and frequently wash their hands.

Most Patch readers indicated they would comply with the governor's wishes. That includes a family that typically celebrates with relatives in Virginia, but decided to stay home and celebrate Thanksgiving with their own household instead.

Another said: "This will be the first thanksgiving in over 50 years I will not spend with my family. We are all going virtual."

But others said they plan to celebrate the holidays as they normally would.

"Not changing anything. Life goes on safely," one respondent said.

"Not changing anything. Politicians are a joke, to say it nicely. Amazing how the biggest mouths screaming about COVID restrictions are also the biggest violators! Totally hypocritical," another respondent said.

Here are the results of our poll.

How will you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?

• With my household only: 54 percent
• With family or friends outside my household: 32 percent
• Virtual celebration with family or friends: 6 percent
• Other: 3 percent

Do you plan to travel to see family or friends for the Thanksgiving holiday?

• No: 74 percent
• Yes, locally: 20 percent
• Yes, out of state: 4 percent

If the weather allows, do you plan to hold Thanksgiving outdoors or with windows open to increase ventilation?

• Neither: 51 percent
• Windows open, if weather allows: 36 percent
• Outdoors, if weather allows: 8 percent
• Other: 1 percent

Do you believe people should wear face masks if celebrating Thanksgiving with people outside their household?

• Yes: 64 percent
• No: 22 percent
• Not sure: 11 percent

Are you concerned about how Thanksgiving will contribute to a recent rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in New York and the United States?

• Yes: 75 percent
• No: 19 percent
• Not sure: 4 percent

Do you plan to get a coronavirus test before Thanksgiving to find out whether you have the virus?

• No: 81 percent
• Yes: 8 percent
• Maybe: 5 percent
• Other: 1 percent

Are you quarantining for two weeks before your holiday gathering as some health officials recommend?

• No: 76 percent
• Yes: 9 percent
• N/A: 6 percent
• Maybe: 2 percent