In a Pandemic Season ‘Home for the Holidays’ Feels Out of Tune

Boston Sunday Globe

In the 1950s, Perry Como planted an idea into the heads of millions that “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays.” But 64 years after his melodic declaration that “If you want to be happy in a million ways/For the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home,” the singer’s cheery perspective is sounding downright dated—and reckless.

This year, the nation’s top infectious disease specialist, directly contradicting the crooner’s sweet sentiment, told people to avoid travel—much to the disappointment of millions of Americans who are both suffering from COVID-19 fatigue and desperately missing relatives they haven’t seen in months. But with the number of coronavirus cases rising steeply as the long-predicted fall surge arrives with a vengeance, many doctors are warning that even the most careful travelers should step back a moment before finalizing plans. “The advice I’ve given my patients is that this is the year to be thinking hard about visiting your family,” said…

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