Fall is officially here, and Thanksgiving is around the corner. 

In her latest update, Alberta's chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw addressed the holiday, stating many people are likely more aware of things to be grateful for this year. 

"It is natural for people to want to come together and celebrate Thanksgiving with a new level of appreciation. At the same time, we all want Thanksgiving to be a safe holiday that keeps everyone healthy." 

Alberta Health Services (AHS) recommends considering virtual options or keeping celebrations within cohort groups. 

"Smaller is safer. This is not the time for large gatherings." 

If people from different cohorts join, it is important to allow space for physical distancing and to limit contact with other people in the two weeks leading up to the holiday. Proper cleaning, limited contact and wearing masks will help prevent exposure while visiting. 

When eating, AHS encourages separate eating areas for different cohort groups, have one person plate everyone's meals so people aren't sharing serving utensils and consider ordering take-out or having guests bring their own meals. 

"A few common-sense precautions will help keep everyone safe," added Hinshaw. "We are all protecting each other. The spread of the virus and the safety of the holidays we cherish is on each one of us." 

Anyone feeling unwell or showing any symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and away from other people. 

More guidelines for the holiday can be found here.