Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.” We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.

Today’s question is about safe Thanksgiving plans for 2021

Can I gather indoors with family and friends this Thanksgiving?  

Thanksgiving is a time many of us look forward to, as we reconnect with family and friends.  With the case counts on the decline and vaccination rates high, you are permitted to gather indoors with 25 people or fewer, and can loosen some public health measures if everyone attending is fully vaccinated. Here are a few things to keep in mind:  

1. Plan ahead
Consider setting the table with more distance between guests, build a sanitizer station and keep the windows open to improve ventilation indoors. Since the risk of transmission is lower when outdoors, get creative about outdoor activities together, like walking or cycling in local trails and parks among the autumn leaves instead of indoor gatherings. 

2. Fully vaccinated?
If you’re gathering indoors and everyone is fully vaccinated, you may consider removing masks if everyone is comfortable. People from multiple households who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated should wear a mask and physically distance. 

3., Continue to follow public health gathering limits
Ontario is still in Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen. This means indoor gatherings are permitted for 25 or fewer and outdoors is 100 or fewer. 

4. Skip the gathering if you’re sick
Feeling under the weather? Know the symptoms of COVID-19 and self-screen before hosting or attending any gatherings.

5. If in doubt, opt for virtual
Less is more during a pandemic. Virtual gatherings are the safest way to keep COVID-19 away from your thanksgiving weekend.

If you’ve got a question about the City, we want to hear from you!
Please send your questions to info@modernmississauga.com with “Ask the City” in the subject line.