CPS: Celebrating Thanksgiving in a Safe Manner.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):—  This week Thursday, November 26 is the traditional ‘thanksgiving’ celebration celebrated by millions of Americans across the globe.
Sint Maarten is no different, and thanksgiving celebrations will also be taking place by visitors and others in the community. Everyone can make thanksgiving safer by adhering to some simple measures such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands frequently with water and soap, or using hand sanitizer.
Anytime you get together with people who do not live in your household, even if you go by the person’s home, the risk of getting COVID-19 increases for everyone in attendance.
Mask should be worn over your nose and mouth and should be properly secured under your chin. The wearing of a mask is extremely important as people without COVID-19 symptoms may be able to spread it to you if you are not protected.
Maintaining a safe distance of two meters (six feet) from others especially persons who are at a higher risk of getting very sick; wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol content; cover coughs and sneezes, and wash or clean your hands after every episode.
With community transmission of COVID-19, those who come together to celebrate thanksgiving must adhere to the public health measures that have been advised/recommended by Collective Prevention Services (CPS) a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA).
Restaurants that are offering thanksgiving dinners, must strictly adhere to their Public Health Safety Plans that have been approved and which they currently operate under.
Measures for a thanksgiving gathering: limit the number of guests; preference would be to have the meal outdoors on the porch or in the garden where it is well ventilated; if the meal is taking place indoors, open windows and doors; do not share food, drinks, plates, cups or utensils; if sharing food, have one person serve the food and use single-use plastic utensils; store your mask while eating and drinking; avoid going into the kitchen where food is being prepared or handled and limit the number of people in the food preparation area; clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use.
Everything is up to you to make this thanksgiving celebration a safe one. Everyone must act responsibly in order to keep loved ones, family, and friends safe this thanksgiving.