Epidemiologists: Small Gatherings Restriction, Inefficient to Stop the Coronavirus Surge

Thanksgiving-related headlines are heard and read on various media platforms starting late October, even in the previous years. Since COVID-19 happened this year, health organizations are very concerned about the occasion and the possible negative outcomes they can bring.

(Photo: Maggie Morrill)

It is known that various health protocols are being implemented and observed by the authorities, such as social distancing, proper handwashing, and even the wearing of masks. According to the authorities, it is vital to prevent the uptake of COVID-19 cases even though vaccines are almost ready to be distributed. It can also be remembered that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a revised version of their guidelines that should be observed in response to the celebration of Thanksgiving this year. They even emphasized in their guideline that a 15 minute or later exposure of an individual significantly increases the risk of being infected by the virus. However, epidemiologists stress that governments and authorities need to do more than ordering people not to see their friends and family in this coming most awaited celebration.

ALSO READ: CDC issues Official Advisory Regarding Thanksgiving Trips as COVID-19 Cases Continues to Surge

Realtime Sources of coronavirus

In an interview with NPR, Boston University's School of Public Health epidemiologist, Eleanor Murray, ScD, said that there had been a lot of focus recently on the role of small gatherings in the national jump in cases. She also added that the state health department report shows that the largest sources of coronavirus infections are workplaces such as warehouses, institutional settings like retirement communities and prisons, and businesses.

In the interview, Dr. Murray furthers that they could discover a large spread happening from places like bars and other kinds of indoor gatherings where people tend to spend a long time being exposed to other people. She also thinks that establishments need to be closed down until the COVID patients' surge is in control.

So, is it safe to go to small gatherings?

At this point, you might be thinking that you can pack your bags and attend a small gathering; you should be thinking twice. According to Dr. Murray, small gatherings have definite risks. She emphasized that the community's risk is reflected in small gatherings; that is why the more there is an infection in a community, the more small gatherings will be riskier and dangerous.

She notes that sleepovers and dinner parties are infectious because, according to her, people usually let their guard down on these occasions and tend to remove their masks or make the safety protocols out of the picture. She added that although small gatherings can be infectious and dangerous, there is still insufficient and clear evidence that such gatherings drive the infection.

It can be remembered that CDC proposed alternatives regarding the parties usually done during Thanksgiving and holiday seasons such as online dinner parties, movie nights via conference calls, and celebrations with people you live with. Although the data showed by Dr. Murray says that small gatherings are less infectious than other places, it's still better to practice safety and adhere to the authorities' guidelines and practice the safety protocols. COVID-19 is tough, but let us sacrifice for the next year's better holiday celebration.

Check out more news and information on COVID-19 on MD News Daily.