With Thanksgiving about a month away, and neighboring states now joining many more on New York's travel advisory list, health experts and leaders admit this year may not be one for large gatherings around the table for many families.
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, during a visit to Buffalo Monday, admitted even her own holiday could look much different.
"I was hoping to see my father, who I've not seen since Christmas. I would have seen him many more times. I haven't seen my own children, who live in the Washington, DC area. And we're just watching the numbers as well," said Hochul.
Earlier this month Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, admitted his Thanksgiving holiday will not include the traditional family gathering, admitting that out of precaution he will not visit his children.
Thanksgiving guidelines have been posted by the Centers for Disease Control. Information about travel is included. In New York State, the list of states placed under a travel advisory recently added Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, however, admits trying to enforce the same 14-day quarantine applied to travelers from other states is impractical. In the cases of the adjacent states, Cuomo is advising against non-essential travel.
But does Thanksgiving travel count? Hochul faced that question while in Buffalo.
"I don't know that there's been a definition as to whether a family holiday, a national holiday, where families get together is considered essential," she said. "A teacher is essential. Someone's job is essential. So, I don't know that there's been a determination as to what category that fits in. But I think it's pretty much common sense."
