Thanksgiving 2020 is going to be different. For example, you’re most likely going to see fewer families on the road and more individuals aiming to find options to eat at home. Since the pandemic is not planning to go anywhere any time soon, it’s up to each and every one of us to understand the responsibility and abide by the SOPs so that we all stay safe and healthy this holiday.
We’ve compiled a list for you in case you want to know what’s open and what’s close during Thanksgiving:
In New York City, grocery stores are open so in case you were planning to make a last-minute purchase, don’t worry. In addition, several essential businesses will remain open along with a couple of services. However, unlike previous years, many big retailers will be closed. Take a look!
Although the MTA subway and bus system is open on Sunday, the service will be rather limited. In fact, some bus routes won’t even be on the chart, so you must check the MTA’s trip planner to confirm before getting on the train.
It would be ideal if riders completely avoid the transport, as that would reduce chances of the virus spreading.
The Department of Sanitation has announced that it won’t be gathering garbage on Thanksgiving. Hence, in case your trash and organics are not picked up on Thursday, you should put them out by 4 PM. Also, there won’t be any street pick-up either, so you don’t need to worry about side-parking regulations, etc.
Now don’t plan any outings because all city, state, and federal government buildings will remain close on Thanksgiving. And since it’s also a postal holiday, all post offices will remain close as well.
Of course, people have to make last-minute run-ins on Thanksgiving, so most grocery stores will remain open. You can also get a head start on Black Friday sales from the evening!
Fairway Market will be open, but it will close by Thursday evening, so don’t expect a midnight trip. Fresh Direct will also be open during regular hours, but if you need a delivery, place the order in advance. So far, the Key Food stores will remain open during regular hours, but you must check in prior to leaving for the store because rumors are circulating that they might have reduced their open hours. Trader Joe’s will remain closed and Whole Foods will close up early.
As far as pharmacies are concerned, Duane Reade, Walgreens, and CVS will remain open. Rite Aid will be also be open but the COVID-19 testing will temporarily be put on halt throughout Thursday and Friday.
Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Macy’s, Home Depot, Gap, and IKEA will remain closed due to the ongoing pandemic.
Now this is the case in New York – let’s come to Minnesota. Here, the situation is almost the same.All the banks are closed but they will probably open on Friday due to Black Friday. State and Federal services along with county and city offices will remain closed. In addition, the retail stores and malls will remain closed – Target, Best Buy, Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods will not be open. In fact, if the speculations are true, then some retailers won’t even open early morning on Black Friday so as to restrict crowds and respect the SOPs.
As far as grocery stores are concerned, the timings vary, but they will open. For example, Cub Foods and Hy-Vees that are usually open 24/7 will be having reduced hours. Whole Foods, on the other hand, will open at 7AM and close by 5PM. Coborns will follow a similar plan; the open timings are between 6 and 2 PM. Costco, Lunds & Byerlys, Aldi, and Sam’s Club will not open at all.
Gov. Tim Walz has implemented severe restrictions on bars and restaurants. So, all dine-in services have been suspended till December. However, restaurants will be open for delivery and takeout. Liquor stores will remain closed.
Minneapolis has announced that all parking meters will be free on Thanksgiving and they won’t be enforced. However, the meters that are run by Park Board and University of Minnesota will be operational.
In the Twin Cities, the Sunday/Holiday schedule will be followed by the Metro Transit. Northstar trains will remain closed. Furthermore, the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority will only be operational for the run route 495 along with the Metro Red Line.
Post offices, like in NYC, will remain closed and will resume operation for Black Friday. By Friday, people can expect deliveries back to normal. Services like FedEx and UPS will stay closed as well. Also, schools and universities will remain closed.
In Los Angeles, similar practices are going to be observed: Schools, banks, and post offices will remain closed like the rest of the country. According to LA County’s restrictions, dine-in at restaurants is off-bounds. Only take-outs will be up for options. Beaches, piers, skate parks, playgrounds, community gardens, and drive-in theatres will be open, as they’re mostly outdoors.
Angeles Nation Forest and San Bernardino National Forrest will remain open except for areas that were burned by the Bobcat fire and the San Gorgonio Wilderness. In addition, you will also find the federal and state parklands in the Santa Monica Mountains open. However, some picnic tables and water fountains may be inaccessible.
Furthermore, you’ll find miles of hiking trails and grassland in Griffith Park open with limited features, of course. The pony rides in the park have resumed so you can take children between the ages of 1 and 14 to enjoy. The Elysian Park, Franklin Canyon Park and Runyon Canyon Park are also open.
The Descanso Gardens will be operational between 9 AM and 5 PM, but you’ll have to make reservations before going.
The Botanic Gardens, Art Museum, The Huntington Library, the Sherman Library, and the Gardens in Corona del Mar will remain closed. In addition, the California Botanic Gardens will be closed on Thanksgiving!
Hope this makes it clear as to what is open and what is not, so make plans accordingly.