This year, during the pandemic, we’re being asked to take a non-traditional approach to our holiday traditions.
Lee Health CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci doesn’t encourage gathering around the dinner table this Thanksgiving.
The state is seeing a steady increase in COVID-related hospitalizations and SWFL hospitals are seeing a decrease in available staffed ICU beds.
Lee Health is at 88% staffed operational bed capacity and Charlotte County has only three staffed beds available.
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Dr. Antonucci said how we celebrate Thanksgiving will determine if this recent trend continues, “Nothing in the past months has been normal. And this holiday season will be like none other we have experienced. As the pandemic continues and the number of cases rises in our community, we must temper our desire for a traditional thanksgiving and continue to take steps to be safe and healthy.”
Some suggested ways to celebrate Thanksgiving safely are eating outside while keeping a physical distance. Or have the family together virtually.
Dr. Antonucci says if we take the necessary safety steps this holiday, we’ll have more holidays with our families in the future.