COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Arizona, threatening schools’ ability to stay open for in-person learning. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ offered tips during a Monday press conference on how Arizonans can safely celebrate.

Christ recommends holding celebrations in outside settings such as backyards or even parks that provide better ventilation than indoor settings.

If celebrations must take place inside, Christ suggests creating spaces for people to physically distance themselves and opening patios, windows and doors to improve ventilation. Hosts should provide guests with masks and hand sanitizer, and food should not be passed around or served buffet style, Christ said. 

Howard Fischer/Capitol Media Services

Dr. Cara Christ and Gov. Doug Ducey on March 11, 2020.

Christ also recommends decreasing gathering sizes by connecting family and friends virtually. As for Black Friday shopping, Christ said it’s a good idea to do it online this year. 

“So doing even one of these options would reduce your risk while doing more of them would even be better," she said. 

It's important for everyone to do their part in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 so that schools can remain open, Christ said.  

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