This browser does not support the Video element.
CDC urges Americans to stay home for Thanksgiving
Evan Axelbank reports
TAMPA, Fla. - The CDC says Thanksgiving plans should not be up in the air. Whether people agree, depends on who you ask.
"We are doing ours outdoors, so I don't have that big of a concern, and we are keeping our distances," said one person picking up a relative at Tampa International Airport.
Calling this a critical phase, the CDC backed up calls by governors in some states like New York to limit holiday gatherings.
"We are picking up our children right now from the airport and are having Thanksgiving with them this week," said another driver parked at the TIA cell phone lot.
With more than one million new cases reported nationwide in the last week, they said traveling to gatherings could exponentially spread the virus.
RELATED: Tampa General Hospital reported to be among first hospitals with COVID-19 vaccine
"The opportunity to translocate disease or infection from one part of the country to another leads to our recommendation to avoid travel at this time," said CDC Coronavirus Response Director Henry Wilke.
The CDC does say that outdoor gatherings that are socially distant are much preferred. They're also encouraging people to bring their own food, drinks, plates and utensils. Further, they say ground rules should be discussed before gatherings begin.
COVID UPDATES: Download the free FOX 13 News app for ongoing coronavirus coverage and live updates
"It's hard, you always want to be around the people you love the most and it's just going to be me and my dad this year, so it definitely stinks," said another driver parked at TIA.
The CDC is encouraging families to host virtual gatherings, so all tradition, during a holiday steeped in it, won't be lost.
"It is tough, so we are going to try to visit with some people on Zoom," said another driver.
RELATED DeSantis says Florida will make vaccines available to residents but won't mandate them
The CDC also says the travel itself could be dangerous. They issued reminders today to wear masks when doing so, and to get your flu shot beforehand.
Click here to view the CDC's full list of holiday recommendations.
If you feel sick:
The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.
LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website
CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know
AROUND THE WORLD: CoronavirusNOW.com
Map of known COVID-19 cases:
MOBILE APP USERS: Click here for map