Public Health preparing for possibility of post-holiday surge in Covid-19 cases

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, Calif. (KIEM) — With Thanksgiving this week, the Humboldt County Public Health Department is planning for the possibility of a post-holiday surge in Covid-19 cases.

In addition to increasing staffing through and after the holiday and trying to maximize testing availability, they’re also asking the community to adhere to guidance for the holiday.

Echoing the CDC’s recommendation, Public Health says the safest way to enjoy Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate at home with the people you live with.

County Health Officer Dr. Teresa Frankovich says if you are going to have even 3 households gathered, it should be outdoors. If that can’t happen, people need to be distanced meaning people should not be all around one table eating together. Frankovich also warns about the uncertainty that testing beforehand can leave.

“The safest thing is simply not gathering. In terms of testing a day before gathering, that’s great you know you’re negative that day, it means nothing about what you are the next day. It does not ensure safety of those you’re gathering with,” Frankovich says.