New Mexico issues Thanksgiving guidance, alternatives

From Staff Reports
Las Cruces Sun-News

SANTA FE – Health officials at the state of New Mexico on Friday issued Thanksgiving public health guidance to New Mexicans to ensure residents are able to safely navigate the holiday amid the worsening pandemic.

The news release reminded residents of public health orders in effect instructing residents to shelter in place except for those trips that are essential to health, safety and welfare and also instructing residents not to gather in groups of more than five 

“This is not a normal year,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This is not a normal holiday season. I know we all wish it weren’t that way, but it is. Gathering for Thanksgiving this year is an extreme risk to the health and safety of your loved ones and friends. Let me be very clear: A Thanksgiving gathering this year may very well lead to a funeral. The virus is at large. Know the risks and respect them.

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“I know it’s hard,” the governor said. “I know we’re all so tired. I want to hug my family more than anything in the world. We all do. But please understand it’s not worth the risk. We can replace Thanksgiving dinner. We cannot replace you.”

The state issued the following Thanksgiving guidance and alternatives:

Do not travel to attend a Thanksgiving gathering — whether in New Mexico or out of state — to mix with another household, either of friends or family.

  • Safe alternative: Have dinner at home. Spend the weekend in your own neighborhood. Wear a mask — covering both your nose and mouth — any time you leave the house, whether you are in contact or near other individuals or not.

Do not gather for the Thanksgiving holiday with non-household members.

  • Safe alternative: Connect with friends and relatives over a video chat service. Share recipes, cooking time and time at the table remotely and safely.

Do not spend unnecessary time shopping for groceries, and do not make unnecessary supplement trips to the store.

  • Safe alternative: Order groceries online, or make arrangements for curbside pickup. Avoid as much person-to-person contact, and being in the presence of other individuals and especially groups, as much as possible.

Do not host or attend a large gathering.

  • Safe alternative: If you do host a small gathering with household members, keep 6 feet of distance, and wear facemasks. Consider setting up a table outside so as to minimize the person-to-person interactions indoors.

The state also advised residents to support local business by ordering takeout or delivery for a smaller, non-traditional Thanksgiving meal.