As a member of the student services team at a university, I recently discussed with my colleague the surge in students planning to travel home for Thanksgiving. In past years, this would have been a joyous occasion, but this year, it filled us both with anxiety. Thousands of students are set to travel across the country for the holiday, and the potential for bringing COVID-19 home is a serious concern. This scenario is unfolding at universities nationwide.
If you’re a parent of a college student, you may share these worries. Experts suggest that the safest way to celebrate the holidays this year is through virtual gatherings. While a Zoom Thanksgiving lacks the warmth of in-person celebrations, it’s important to recognize that 2020 is unlike any other year. Despite nearly a year of living with COVID-19, the situation continues to worsen. As of the latest reports, COVID-19 hospitalizations have reached alarming levels, exceeding both summer and spring peaks.
Precautions for College Students Returning Home
If your college student is returning home, there are several precautions you can take to minimize the risk of infection. First, it’s advisable to have your student tested for COVID-19 before they leave campus and again upon arrival at home. Many universities are implementing exit testing, but it’s crucial to remember that a single negative test result is not a guaranteed safeguard against infection. For instance, the recent outbreak among the Baylor University football team, reportedly due to false negatives, highlights this reality.
Practicing Safety at Home
Once your student is home, practicing social distancing and wearing masks should be top priorities. Unfortunately, mask-wearing and social distancing have become politically charged issues, which they shouldn’t be. This is fundamentally about public health, not politics. If you plan to gather with anyone outside your household during Thanksgiving, it’s essential that everyone wears masks and maintains distance. Health experts recommend that masks should only be removed while eating, ideally in a separate room or outdoors.
Outdoor Celebrations
If weather permits, dining outdoors can be a safer option, as outdoor settings allow for better ventilation and reduced virus transmission risk. Creative ideas like enjoying Thanksgiving dinner around a campfire or engaging in outdoor games can keep the spirit of the holiday alive while minimizing health risks.
Looking Ahead
This year is undeniably different. While there are vaccines on the horizon, they will not be available in time for the holiday season, making traditional family gatherings more hazardous than usual. It’s understandable to miss your college student and desire to spend quality time together, but the virus is indifferent to our emotions. Taking the necessary precautions can help ensure that everyone is safe and able to celebrate together next year.
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In summary, as your college kids come home for the holidays, it’s crucial to prioritize health and safety by testing, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. These measures are vital to ensure that everyone stays healthy and can enjoy future celebrations together.
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