Home For the Holidays?

During the holidays, friends and family normally plan to all come together whether that means traveling out of state, college students coming home for the break, or enjoying a Friendsgiving celebration. 

Due to COVID-19, many of these plans will be limited or canceled this year. 

College students from out of state have more limits than most others because there’s the concern of an increase in spread of the virus due to students going back home over break, becoming infected, and then returning to college. 

Many college students, especially students in California, are highly suggested to get tested before taking any actions. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Traveling increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.”

Many students were planning to meet with extended family members over the break, but due to restrictions, plans are being canceled. 

“I have a big family that includes 12 cousins, and we would always celebrate Thanksgiving together for as long as I can remember, and now we can’t this year,” sophomore Brynn Ottolia said. 

One major concern for health experts is that holiday parties, whether that may be for college students or even just small Friendsgiving gatherings, could potentially cause a spike in the cases. 

The information already given by the CDC is that small gatherings, in general, have been the main factor in the spread of cases, but now with the holidays coming up, the number of groups and people all being around each other could cause this issue to be even more severe.