The Orange County Health Department is recommending certain residents avoid attending an in-person Thanksgiving gathering this year.
Epidemiology Program Manager Alvina Chu says that list includes people who have tested positive for coronavirus, have symptoms of the virus or are waiting on a COVID-19 test result.
Chu says anyone who has come in contact with someone who is a known positive COVID-19 case should avoid seeing family and friends in-person for the recommended two weeks.
“And so the recommendation is after you have a known exposure, please self-quarantine at home for 14 days.”
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Chu says she strongly encourages a stay-at-home holiday for people with an underlying health condition that would put them at high-risk for more serious complications of the disease.
"And unfortunately if you are one of those groups that is at an increased risk for illness. So if you have a known underlying health condition. Please, I know it’s hard, but if you could, please don’t attend an in-person gathering because you may put yourself at risk.”
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Chu says residents should keep their Thanksgiving family gatherings virtual this year, as cases continue to surge in Florida ahead of the holiday.
She says if that’s not possible, in-person gatherings should be kept outdoors and people should try to keep their masks on unless they’re eating or drinking.
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