North Carolina health officials have released a set of guidelines for people who plan on traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday. This comes as many areas of the country see alarming increases in COVID-19 numbers.
The Centers For Disease Control says the safest way to celebrate the holidays is to stay at home and celebrate with the people you live with.
But for those who do plan on traveling, North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services has some suggestions for mitigating risk.
Officials are stressing the importance of maintaining the three W's: wear a face mask, wait and maintain a distance of six feet apart from other people, and wash your hands.
DHHS says you should consider being screened for COVID-19 before traveling, although a negative test will only give you a result for that point in time.
Check travel restrictions before you go, as some states are requiring quarantines and mandatory negative test results. North Carolina is not currently implementing travel restrictions.
It's recommended that celebrations be held outdoors, guest lists remain small, and that higher risk guests should attend virtually.
Officials say that the highest risk activities include large indoor gatherings with people from outside your household, or who do not practice the three W's, and attending mass gatherings such as parades.
For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.