Do These COVID-19 Thanksgiving Restrictions Go Too Far?

Each state has made their own mandates and rules regarding the coronavirus. Like California, some have been very strict, while others, like South Dakota, have placed little, if any, restrictions on their residents and they've lived pretty much as they had before the pandemic.

For us here in Montana, we've been somewhere in the middle. While we do have a mask-mandate in effect, our businesses, except for a short time, have remained open. As we get into the Holiday Season, let's keep our fingers crossed that doesn't change.

Check out these mandatory requirements for Thanksgiving get-togethers in California:

• Gatherings that include more than three households are not allowed.

• The host should write down the names of all attendees and contact info for tracing later.

• Gatherings are encouraged to be outdoors. Those who need to use the restroom are allowed to go inside as long as the restrooms are frequently sanitized.

• If outside, umbrellas, canopies, awnings, roofs, and other shade structures must allow at least three sides of the space to be open.

• Anyone with a fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, night sweats, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, muscle or body aches, headaches, confusion, or loss of sense of taste/smell), must stay home and not come into contact with anyone outside their household.

• Gatherings are to be less than two hours.

• Singing, chanting, and shouting are allowed but strongly discouraged. Those singing should wear a face covering at all times while singing or chanting.

• Instrumental music is allowed, but musicians must maintain at least 6-foot physical distancing. Any instruments played with the mouth like a trumpet or clarinet is strongly discouraged.

• People with chronic medical conditions are strongly urged not to attend any gatherings.

This is just a snapshot of all the regulations that are in place by the Governor of California. You can read the entire Guidance for Private Gatherings for Californians by clicking here.

Programming Note: Dave & Ally will host Gallatin County Health Officer Matt Kelley Thursday morning at 7:05 am on the XL Morning Show. We'll see if any restrictions like is could be put in place for our Thanksgiving & Christmas gatherings in Gallatin County.