Don’t Be a Turkey – Have Fun but Stay Safe over the Holidays

Turkeys wearing masks

Nov 23, 2020, 10:03 AM

Thanksgiving celebrations pose risks every year, but in 2020, the hazards won’t be limited to your Cousin Bob’s deep-fried turkey or your Aunt Ethel’s political tirades. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the holidays this year, we may face an increased risk of contracting – or even spreading – Covid-19. 

Fortunately, much like flying an aircraft, it is possible to have fun and mitigate your risks at the same time. Before you host or attend events over the winter break, consider these Thanksgiving guidelines, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Take into account the location, duration and size of gatherings to help reduce risks for everyone. Whenever possible, outdoor gatherings are best. If you’re gathering indoors, crank up air flow through the room as much as possible. Practice physical distancing and wear a mask when you aren’t diving into that sweet potato casserole. 

If you haven’t had a flu vaccination yet, get it done right now, before gathering with friends and family. Visit your doctor. Or, look for incentives such as gift cards and coupons, which are being offered by certain grocery stores and pharmacies. 

Speaking of risk mitigation over the holidays, the CDC urges caution when thawing, handling and stuffing your Thanksgiving turkey. 

Thaw the turkey in a container in the refrigerator, in a leak-proof plastic bag under cold water in the sink, or in the microwave – not by leaving it on the counter, where bacteria can grow on both raw and cooked turkey. Cook your stuffing separately and follow the USDA’s consumer guidelines for safely roasting a turkey. Use a food thermometer to make sure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F. 

Plan for Your Safe Return to Embry-Riddle 

If you believe you have been exposed to Covid-19 over the winter break, or if you feel ill, please stay at home and contact Health Services on the Daytona Beach Campus, (386) 226-7917, or the Wellness Center on the Prescott Campus (928) 777-6653. Anyone with a confirmed case of Covid-19 will need to isolate for 14 days, or until cleared by Embry-Riddle’s healthcare professionals. 

Reminders for All 

  • Embry-Riddle’s spring 2021 semester orientation will take place on Jan. 19 and classes are set to start on Jan. 20. Please plan for your safe return to campus.
  • Covid-19 pre-semester testing will take place, by invitation, for selected students, teaching faculty and student-facing staff as follows:
    • Daytona Beach Campus – Jan. 6-7 and Jan. 11-14
    • Prescott Campus – Jan. 6 and Jan. 13-14
  • For everyone, sentinel type testing will begin on both residential campuses on Jan. 25. Sentinel testing will continue throughout the spring 2021 semester. This type of testing is voluntary and open to all Embry-Riddle students, staff and faculty.
  • Screening and contact type testing will take place on Wednesdays (rather than Thursdays) beginning on Jan. 27. If you are selected for this type of testing, you will be required to keep your appointment.
  • Teaching faculty and select student-facing staff will be required to have a Covid-19 test before returning to Embry-Riddle’s residential campuses. Invitations will be sent to schedule appointments.

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