SHA out with guidelines for safe Thanksgiving celebrations

With COVID-19 in the mix for this weekend’s Thanksgiving celebrations, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is out with guidelines to prevent the spread.

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab joined Gormley to talk about how to keep the festivities as safe as possible.

Shahab suggests people monitor themselves for symptoms and to stay at home if you feel unwell, even if it is just a headache.

“Even as the host if you’re not feeling 100 per cent cancel the dinner for anyone you invited even from your extended household,” he said.

Shahab explains that in recent COVID-19 cases linked to group events, people said they didn’t think mild symptoms were the virus or felt cancelling would be rude.

Private indoor or outdoor events that include food service in Saskatchewan can have a maximum of 30 people if there’s enough space for physical distancing.

Shahab suggests people take advantage of our last few warm days.

“The weekend isn’t looking bad weather-wise so having something outdoors early in the day is a great idea,” he said.

Environment Canada expects Saturday to be the warmest day of the long weekend with highs in the 20s for most of central and southern Saskatchewan.

Shahab believes it’s best to keep the guest list limited.

“We need to think about what are we comfortable with. Do we just want to have Thanksgiving dinner with our immediate household and celebrate virtually with our friends and family?” he said.

Shahab explains its best to stay in your comfort zone, whether it is a small gathering or celebrating with your extended bubble.