IDPH Urges Public to Protect Loved Ones from COVID-19, Other Respiratory Viruses and Food-borne Illnesses During Thanksgiving Holiday

CHICAGO - With many families planning to gather for Thanksgiving, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging Illinoisans to celebrate the holiday safely by take precautions to protect vulnerable family members from COVID-19 and the flu - and to pay close attention to food safety. In addition to being fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and the flu, IDPH encourages the public to get tested before attending holiday gatherings, especially if you'll be visiting someone at high risk for severe COVID-19; to stay home if you are sick; and practice good hand hygiene. In addition, holiday hosts are urged to ensure gatherings are well-ventilated and to follow food safety guidelines in handling hot and cold foods to prevent food-borne illnesses.

These safety reminders come as the CDC reported 21 Illinois counties were at an elevated Community Level for COVID-19 as of November 18. IDPH is reporting 14,388 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois, and 59 deaths since November 16.

"We, at IDPH, wish all Illinois residents a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. As we spend time with our families, friends, and loved ones for great food and fun, I want to remind Illinoisans that there are some safeguards we can all rely on to stay healthy," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "When it comes to the Thanksgiving meal, it is important to follow basic food safety tips, including properly thawing frozen turkeys and making sure your turkey and stuffing are thoroughly cooked to a safe temperature of 165° Farenheit. And as respiratory illnesses such as RSV, the flu, and COVID-19 are continuing to lead to illnesses and hospitalizations, there are a number of strategies that will keep us all healthy and safe. These include COVID-19 testing, especially if visiting someone at risk for severe disease; enhanced ventilation; good hand hygiene; staying home if sick; and getting up to date with both the COVID-19 bivalent booster and the flu shot. I hope all Illinoisans have a great holiday."

The CDC offers valuable advice on how to safely cook a holiday turkey. The first step is to safely thaw the bird. When turkey begins to thaw, any bacteria that may have been present before freezing can begin to grow again. A turkey must thaw at a safe temperature to prevent harmful germs from growing rapidly. Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water (change water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter.

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