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Nov. 20, 2020, 1:10 p.m.

What experts suggest families should and shouldn't do over Thanksgiving

DOWNLOAD VIDEO Directions: Read the summary, watch NewsHour's video by Amna Nawaz and answer the discussion questions. A transcript of the video is available here . Summary: The coronavirus continues to tear across the U.S. as Americans prepare for the holiday season. With Thanksgiving approaching, there have been a number of warnings about gathering during the pandemic, as health officials say other holidays have been followed by spikes in COVID-19 cases.
  • Recent weeks have seen record daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and rising deaths across the country. Every state has seen a rise in cases in the past month.
  • Experts have long feared that holiday travel will exacerbate the spread of COVID-19, and Thanksgiving weekend is often the busiest travel time of the month in many parts of the country.
Discussion: Warm up questions:
  1. What is especially worrisome to public health officials about holidays?
  2. Who is most at risk for COVID-19 hospitalization?
  3. Why does limiting how many people gather indoors help reduce spread?
  4. When and where have cases of COVID-19 been increasing?
  5. How can families ensure their holidays are as safe as possible, according to this report?
Focus questions:
  1. Why do you think officials have chosen to limit gatherings to a "random number" like 10 people?
  2. What do you think are some simple precautions to take that can help make the holidays both safe and enjoyable?
Media literacy: Who is the expert we hear from in this story, and what is her background?Why do you think the journalist chose this expert to interview? Additional resources:
  • What are some things to consider about the spread of COVID-19 and ways to stay safe? Read this article/guide," Why we can’t have a normal Thanksgiving this year ," to find out.
  • While the nationwide spike of COVID-19 cases is ominous news, there is hope of a vaccine on the horizon. To learn more about what is expected out of a vaccine, use this lesson .

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