Perspectives: Thanksgiving Gatherings and Coronavirus Restrictions

Amid the surge of COVID-19 coronavirus cases this fall, public health officials are urging Americans to avoid gathering in large groups during Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended against traveling for Thanksgiving this year, while several states including California, Oregon, New Jersey and Iowa placed restrictions on the number of people or households that can gather. Some argue that the holiday should be "canceled" this year for the health and safety of loved ones; others argue that Thanksgiving's connections to American culture and history make celebrating it with loved ones necessary. Outlets across the political spectrum provided guides for having safe Thanksgiving gatherings. Voices from left- and center-rated outlets tended to focus on the surge in coronavirus cases, the increase in travel ahead of the holiday, while some voices from the right framed the holiday restrictions as a "war on Thanksgiving" and advocated for its celebration.