In response to surging COVID-19 cases and deaths as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended Americans refrain from traveling to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In response, American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold Wimmer issued the following statement:
“More than 1 million cases of COVID-19 were reported in the U.S. within the last seven days, and cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States. The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate at home with those in your household.
“Many Americans may be seeking a sense of normalcy during the holiday season and considering travel to spend holidays with family and friends. Yet, to save lives and avoid the most devastating effects of the pandemic this winter, we need everyone to be vigilant and adhere to public health best practices, including CDC’s recommendation today for Americans to avoid travel to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“As the nation’s trusted champion of lung health, the American Lung Association has seen Americans through the 1918 flu pandemic and the tuberculosis epidemic. We know that while not easy, vigilance and adherence to public health guidance is critical to saving lives. It can be done, but may require difficult decisions, conversations and sacrifices in order to protect those you love and those most vulnerable in our communities.
“For those Americans who decide to travel, please do so as safely as possibly by following the same recommendations for everyday living – wearing masks, staying outdoors or in a well-ventilated space when possible, maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet and washing hands thoroughly.”
Learn more about COVID-19 and lung health at Lung.org. For media interested in speaking with an expert about COVID-19 and steps the Lung Association is taking to end the pandemic through its COVID-19 Action Initiative, contact Stephanie Goldina at the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7629.
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