<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606243325401.jpeg" alt="Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith " />
 <figcaption>Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith </figcaption>
 </figure>BY NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>
HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;Reno County Interim Health Officer Karen Hammersmith reiterated 
the message calling for no large gatherings for the Thanksgiving 
holiday."Thanksgiving this year really should look different," 
Hammersmith said. "When we talk about keeping in small cohorts, it is 
because we always know that in times like this, holidays, people travel.
 They want to be with their family. You know, you have the sniffles or 
something. You don't feel too bad. This year, that could be COVID."After the holidays is usually a problem even with less contagious illnesses like the flu.Most
 viruses, whether it be cold or flu season, it's the weeks after 
Thanksgiving and Christmas that really spike things up and turn things 
around," Hammersmith said. "Not in a good way."If you are sick, stay at home."Anytime
 that you have family gatherings, it's a very close situation, very 
personal," Hammersmith said. "People are generally speaking, hugging, 
sitting in the same room for many hours. You feel very comfortable and 
safe in family and close friends enviroments. It doesn't mean that the 
family and friends are not safe people. It's just that right now, 
anybody could be carrying the virus."

Health official: If Thanksgiving doesn't look different, weeks after could be worse