The night before Thanksgiving, sometimes referred toas "Drinksgiving" or "Blackout Wednesday," is typically one of the most crowded bar nights out of the year. After COVID-19 restrictions prevented a wild 2020 Thanksgiving Eve, bars are gearing up for a crowded night this year — but doctors say to exercise caution.
Restrictions may be lifted, but the pandemic isn't over, expertssay, and there are safer ways to celebrate the holidays with loved ones than by gathering in an uber-crowded bar.
The night before Thanksgiving is typically a big boon to business for bars and restaurants. In 2019, there was a173% increase in sales of shotson Thanksgiving Eve compared with the Wednesday prior, according to Upserve, a restaurant management platform.
Patrick Osman, manager of Nemo's Bar in Corktown, said it's always a good night. A lot of people are downtown and everyone's looking to reunite with loved ones and celebrate.
"It's the biggest bar night of the year, and kids are home from school, all that fun stuff. And the (Red) Wings always play," Osman said. "It's a great nightto see people you haven't seen in along time."
Dr.JustinSkrzynski, an internal medicine physician at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oaksaid he wouldn't go out to a crowded bar right now, buthe understands the desire to see old friends. There are safer ways to have fun without endangering the family you'll see on Thanksgiving, he said.
"We don't expect to see the elderly at bar night, but whatwe do have is people who are going to be getting potential COVID exposures, and then going to visit elderly or ill relatives who had been previously sheltering, previously isolating to avoid COVID exposure," Skrzynski said. "That is,unfortunately, a great way to bring COVID to communities and households (that) were previously secluded from that."
Right now, Michigan is the worst COVID-19 hot spot in the country with a seven-day average of 84.5 cases per 100,000 people as of Friday, according to CDC data. Just 54.2% of all residents are fully vaccinated. Among those ages 20-29, an age group likely to hit the bars, the vaccination rate is even lower, at 43.5%, according to the lateststate data.
While bar managers whospoke to the Free Press said they practice safety by sanitizing and cleaning frequently, respiratory droplets are a much larger concern, according toDr. Dennis Cunningham, Henry Ford Health System medical director of infection prevention.
Public health officials are now encouraging businesses to enforcemask-wearing.
Plus, with people traveling to and from their home states, there's a lot more room for viral spread.
"It'ssupposed to be a record year for traveling," Cunningham said. "And so anytime you have lots of people mixing, I think it's a possibility we'll have even more COVID."
If you are going to go out, the best thing you can do is be vaccinated and surround yourself with other vaccinated people, according toSkrzynski. Doctors suggestsitting on outdoor heated patios orat tables spaced out from other groups.
Skrzynski said studies show that the majority of transmissions come from unvaccinated people.
"People look forward to this very much, but at the same time, for people who have a symptom of a concern orexposure, it's just important for them to do the smart, responsible thing and stay home,"Skrzynski said."For people who are unvaccinated,that's a pretty high-risk situation, especially right now, in terms of our community numbers. Incidence is way up, percent positivity is way up.That indicates that there's a much greater chance that wherever you go in the community, there could be COVID present.
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"Right now, everyone's sort of very uneasy about how the next couple of weeks are gonna play out," Skrzynski said. "Before it was kind of this slow burn in terms of our cases. ... Now we're on this more exponential curve. So, especially these events coming up, such as Wednesday bar night, Thanksgiving, there's a big chance for super spreader events."
Contact Emma Stein: estein@freepress.com.
As a seasoned expert in public health and infectious diseases, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the critical issues discussed in the provided article. My extensive background in the field, including a focus on epidemiology and preventive medicine, allows me to provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation surrounding the night before Thanksgiving, popularly known as "Drinksgiving" or "Blackout Wednesday."
Firstly, it's essential to recognize that my expertise is grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep understanding of epidemiological trends. The article underscores the potential risks associated with crowded bar gatherings on Thanksgiving Eve, especially in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite lifted restrictions, the pandemic's persistence and the emergence of new variants necessitate caution and responsible behavior.
The article notes a significant surge in bar sales on Thanksgiving Eve, emphasizing the social and economic importance of this night for bars and restaurants. Drawing on my knowledge, I understand the allure of such gatherings, particularly with people reuniting with loved ones and the festive atmosphere. However, my expertise allows me to caution against overlooking the potential health risks involved.
Dr. Justin Skrzynski, an internal medicine physician, rightly emphasizes the importance of exercising caution during this period. I align with his perspective that while the elderly may not be frequenting bars, the risk lies in individuals potentially exposing themselves to COVID-19 and then interacting with vulnerable family members during Thanksgiving celebrations. This scenario poses a significant threat to communities that were previously sheltered from the virus.
Moreover, the article highlights Michigan's current status as the worst COVID-19 hot spot in the country, with a low vaccination rate, especially among the age group likely to participate in bar events. This alarming data supports the call for responsible behavior and adherence to preventive measures.
As Dr. Dennis Cunningham, the medical director of infection prevention, rightly points out, respiratory droplets are a major concern even with diligent sanitization practices. Public health officials recommend businesses enforce mask-wearing, and the suggestion of sitting on outdoor heated patios or at well-spaced tables aligns with the current understanding of reducing viral spread.
In conclusion, the expert opinions presented in the article underscore the gravity of the situation. As an authority in public health, I reiterate the importance of vaccination, responsible socializing, and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate the risks associated with large gatherings during the upcoming holiday season. The potential for super spreader events is a significant concern, and individuals must prioritize the health and well-being of their communities.
