HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – There were long lines on Wednesday outside of the Delaware Chicken Farm & Seafood Market in Hollywood and The Honey Baked Ham Company in Pembroke Pines. The food retailers were keeping up with the demand for turkeys.
Doug Carter, the owner of the Delaware Chicken Farm & Seafood, said they had set up a system to help keep vulnerable customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Both retailers avoided indoor crowds and had customers wait outside.
“We have a lot of people, elderly people, people that are sick with different things and they don’t want to come in the store and so we try and make sure they get waited on and get what they need,” Carter said.
Jodi Allen was standing in line outside the food retailer in Hollywood. She and other customers said they appreciated all of the precautions the retailers were taking to help keep their families safe from the virus.
Allen said her Thanksgiving dinner guests include her 92-year-old father. Two of their relatives, she said, flew into town for the celebration. They got tested for the coronavirus and were negative, so she said they are also welcome to attend.
Here are some precautions from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you celebrate Thanksgiving safely during the coronavirus pandemic:
- Celebrate at home with the people you live with and host a virtual gathering.
- If you decide to risk hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, do it outside, limit the number of guests, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils. Limit the number of people in food preparation areas, have one person who is wearing protection serve food, or have guests bring their own food and drink.
- If you decide to attend a gathering, bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils. Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled. Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer. Stay at least 6 feet apart, or about two arm lengths, from anyone who does not live with you.
- When you are around people you don’t live with, wear a face mask with two or more layers over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin. Safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your face mask, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others such as by leaving them on the porch.