Most of us recognize the validity of needing to take precautions with COVID. We know that as with any virus, we should keep our hands washed, our fingers off of our faces, wear masks when mandated, and not get close to people where we could spit on them, or they on us. It’s just common sense to avoid infection.
Since COVID sufferers recover 99+% of the time, we must not be too optimistic. After all, we could be that .006% who could die from this. So, folks, bite the bullet, and take precautions. It’s not fun to be in the 99+% who get the COVID-19, and we do not want it, regardless of the fact that we probably won’t conk out permanently.
But I swear that some officials have lost their ever-lovin’ minds.
I recently received a message reviewing the latest mandates issued to the lovely people of California. The instructions were published, listing the rules by which to abide during Thanksgiving. I didn’t believe it at first, so I researched it.
Sure enough. California Governor Gavin Newsom has imposed Thanksgiving rules and instructions to the state. And he is getting strongly criticized for it. But so far, he hasn’t backed off.
So, here are his rules.
1. All Thanksgiving gatherings must be held outside.
2. Gatherings that include more than three households are prohibited.
3. As much as possible, any food or beverages at outdoor gatherings must be in single-serve disposable containers. If providing single-serve containers is not possible, food and beverages must be served by a person who washes or sanitizes their hands frequently, and wears a face covering.
4. No singing or chanting.
5. Attendees may go inside to use restrooms as long as the restrooms are frequently sanitized.
6. Gatherings should be two hours or less.
7. The host should collect names of all attendees and contact information in case contact tracing is needed later.
What does this mean for one’s Thanksgiving feast? Eat outside. Whether you live in Palm Springs where the high on Thanksgiving a year ago was 92 degrees, or Bishop, where the high was 30 degrees last year, you must eat outside.
Regarding not more than three households; If you and your two siblings visit your folks for Thanksgiving, its illegal. If you invite your parents, in-laws, and an international student, it’s illegal. If you celebrate “Friendsgiving” with three other singles, it’s illegal.
If your entire extended family self-quarantines before visiting elderly grandparents to safely soothe their loneliness, it’s illegal. If you invite someone who is lonely, or depressed, but have already invited two other families, it’s illegal.
Turkey, potatoes, sweet potato casserole, ham, green beans are not to be served in a common bowl. They must be served individually by a masked server who continually is sanitizing both hands and surfaces. (Batman? The Lone Ranger?) Consider the “soup kitchen” effect.
The consensus of the public? It’s absurd. And it’s way over the top. Give the American people credit for knowing how to avoid getting ill. After all it’s all we hear ... on intercoms, on signs, on TV.
Oh, and don’t sing, “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.” Kidding. Yes, please do sing that song ... and sing it loud!
Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached atjuditabler@gmail.com or juditabler@awomansview.
