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By Darren Rathwell

Prepare for a different Thanksgiving this year: MHC expert

Oct 5, 2021 | 5:34 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, but if public health measures are followed it won’t be quite the same in 2021.

However, a mental health expert at Medicine Hat College says having an in-person connection will be even more important for many people this Thanksgiving, Oct.11.

“There’s been a lifting of restrictions and then restrictions coming in (since the pandemic began). But there’s more of an expectation I think this year that people will be able to get together,” Marie Wanty, the college’s manager of mental health and counselling, told CHAT News.

Under provincial restrictions, there are limits on how many people are allowed to meet at once.

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Gatherings around turkey dinner, or other food of choice, are limited to a pair of households with a maximum of 10 people.

However, there are no restrictions on children under 12, and the restrictions don’t apply to workers who provide caregiving support.

Those who are not vaccinated but are eligible to have the shot aren’t permitted to get together.

Meanwhile, gatherings outdoors have been lowered from 200 people to a maximum of 20, and physical distancing of two metres is mandatory at all times.

If you’re unable to meet with family and friends, Wanty says it’s important to plan ahead for the holiday to avoid feeling left out of festivities.

“(Ask yourself) what sort of activities can I connect with, is there something in the community I can connect to, are there supports I can reach out to? It’s really difficult to feel that separation especially if you feel alone,” Wanty said.

Wanty also says technology can play an important role in connecting with family or friends, like using Zoom or Skype.