This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Thanksgiving gatherings are limited to ten people or fewer in Michigan. | Stock Photo
This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Thanksgiving gatherings are limited to ten people or fewer in Michigan. | Stock Photo
During a year when families were encouraged to gather only within their own households, some people say the benefits of a Thanksgiving dinner together outweigh the potential risk of contracting COVID-19.
Health experts with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have warned that attending a holiday gathering could realistically lead to catching the virus. The message of caution came after the number of positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths has increased in recent weeks.
"Indoor gatherings are a major way that COVID-19 is spreading right now," Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan's Chief Medical Executive, told Bridge Michigan.
Even so, people are divided about how they'll go about their holiday plans. Some even view the warnings as political ploys.
"We are still having our Thanksgiving dinner," John Hulett, of Sunfield, told Bridge Michigan. "I do not believe it is the governor's [job] to tell us how to run our families."
However, there are other Michigan residents who have altered their plans in an effort to stay safe.
Marilyn Steiner, for example, typically travels out of state to visit their children. She and her husband are both turning 80 soon, and they've decided this year they'll "lay low" and stay home. They plan to have a virtual get-together through Zoom, which isn't the same as being together, but it's better than not seeing each other at all.
The same goes for Elizabeth Seagull and her husband, who live in Okemos. "We miss our children and grandchildren," Seagull told Bridge Michigan. "Haven't hugged anyone but each other since March. Yet we are still here and still healthy, so we are thankful."
Newly elected Michigan Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit), her sister and son are still cooking a Thanksgiving dinner at home, but boxing them to go for their family. She said they're arranging a "drive-thru" setting and doing their part to not host a "super-spreader event." Once everyone picks up their meals, they'll pray and break bread together virtually.
"I thought it was very important for family to know we've got to stick together. It's been a tough year in general, but you know, there's still so much to be thankful for," Young told Bridge Michigan.
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