Rockland Thanksgiving Gatherings Could Cause Coronavirus Clusters

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland County is urging its residents to use extra caution around Thanksgiving Day celebrations amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to continuing to practice common-sense hygiene and prevention measures like hand-washing and the use of face coverings, the county is also discouraging gathering with members of other households.

In a news release, County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said even small gatherings with people from other households result in cluster outbreaks of the virus.

"To keep you and your family safe during this year's Thanksgiving holiday celebration, residents should stay home and celebrate with people who live in their home," Ruppert said in a statement. "Avoid inviting family and friends to your home as the disease can easily spread from person-to-person. Alternative ways to observe the holiday, such as hosting a virtual celebration, are the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19."

Furthermore, New York restricts gatherings in both indoor and outdoor residential settings to no more than 10 people.

Rockland County recommends residents consider celebrating Thanksgiving in a new way this year: hosting virtual gatherings, enjoying outdoor activities or engaging in a gratitude practice.

Those who decide to gather in a group are encouraged to bring their own plates, drinks, cups and utensils, or to consider using disposable plates and utensils.

In houses where gatherings are held, the windows should be kept open, frequently touched surfaces should be regularly disinfected and masks should be worn when not eating, according to county guidance.

"This year's celebrations should be different from what we all consider to be normal," Rockland County Executive Ed Day said in a statement. "We understand that these restrictions and precautions may be frustrating to some, but doing what we can in our personal lives to limit the further spread of COVID-19 helps protect our entire community. It is up to each of us to do our part and celebrate as safely as possible."

As of Tuesday, the county had reported 1,399 active cases of COVID-19 — the disease caused by the coronavirus — along with 65 current hospitalizations and 695 deaths from the virus.

A total of 20,824 cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Rockland County since the pandemic began.

New restrictions were introduced in four additional Rockland County coronavirus hotspots last week. Yellow-zone rules were put into effect for the communities of Pearl River, West Haverstraw, Suffern and Stony Point.

Yellow-zone rules include a 25-person maximum for mass non-residential gatherings, no more than four people to a table while dining, and 20 percent weekly testing of in-person students and faculty in schools.

Both indoor and outdoor residential gatherings are limited to 10 people.

Officials said rising rates of the coronavirus in these communities was caused by "casual" spread, much like what the county hopes to avoid by discouraging small Thanksgiving gatherings.

Day said the county's case investigation and contact tracing program points to youth sports, parties and family events as the main drivers of the new cases.

"We are concerned by the increase in case numbers here in Rockland," Day said in a news release. "The Governor's announcement today should be viewed as a warning that we must all redouble our efforts to take the proper hygienic precautions."

Patch editor Lanning Taliaferro contributed to this report