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Tips to safely celebrate Thanksgiving during the pandemic

If you are getting together with family to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is recommended to separate tables and eat outdoors if possible.

As COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Alabama, it's important to remember the CDC guidelines for gatherings during the pandemic.

During a press conference on Monday, state health officials said how we celebrate this Thanksgiving will determine what December will look like.

Health leaders suggest keeping gatherings under ten people when celebrating Thanksgiving. You can also celebrate virtually using Zoom and FaceTime.

RELATED: Plans to travel? Changes you could see at Huntsville International Airport during the holiday season

If you are getting together with family, it is recommended to separate tables and eat outdoors if possible.

To prevent everyone from touching the same utensils, assign one person to make plates.

ADPH Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mary McIntyre, said, "If we want to live to see another Thanksgiving, and I do, that it may mean stepping back this Thanksgiving and limiting the number of people in some of the things that we do."

Click here to view all CDC guidelines when celebrating Thanksgiving this year.

Health leaders say as soon as a COVID-19 vaccine is approved, they will give them as soon as possible. Health care workers and first responders will receive the first doses.

RELATED: First COVID immunizations could arrive in the U.S. on Dec. 12

Vaccines will be given to states on a per capita basis. Officials believe Alabama will get no more than 112,000 doses in the first round.

WATCH: Local groups are coming together to make sure people are fed on Thanksgiving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a plethora of information on how to protect yourself and other from the coronavirus. 

The virus can easily spread from person to person, so the CDC recommends you stay at least 6-feet apart from people not in your household. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breaths or talks, according to the CDC. Because of this, the CDC recommends you wear a cloth facemask when around others and in public. 

Additionally, the CDC recommends that you frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

Symptoms to look out for include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. 

Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the CDC. 

If you suspect you have the coronavirus, you should seek out testing and self-quarantine. 

Click here to find more COVID-19 information from the Alabama Department of Public Health. 

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