After a spike in coronavirus cases that coincided with the observation of Thanksgiving in Canada, American health officials are concerned about the potential for a similar surge in the United States. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, which helped to explain why cases have been climbing in recent weeks, even in areas that had recently announced new restrictions on gathering.

Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer, said, “In some areas we are learning that gathering during the Thanksgiving weekend contributed to the elevated case counts we are seeing today. Our actions matter.” Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer for the province of Alberta said, “People did not mean to spread COVID-19. But it is a reminder that social gatherings where distancing and masking are not used consistently are a significant risk for spread.”

Because of the sheer size of the US and the discrepancy of proportional case levels, official messaging and policy has been varied and scattershot across a variety of federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Some have issued warnings; others have enacted bans. But wherever you live, the danger is real.

Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said, “There is, unfortunately, a risk, when you have people coming from out of town, gathering together in an indoor setting. It is unfortunate, because that’s such a sacred part of American tradition. Thanksgiving with my family is going to look very different this year.”

Possible Preaching Angle:

It's important to walk by faith but we should also be prudent in our decision-making and learn from the mistakes of others.