Thanksgiving and the holiday season are normally a time when we travel to see relatives, get together with friends and family and gather with our community for events.

But like birthdays, graduations, Easter, Fourth of July and other occasions in 2020, this year's holiday celebration is going to look different. 

With the ongoing coronavirus crisis, we've had to limit gatherings with others outside our households, stay home as possible and find creative, low-risk ways to celebrate this year's milestones.

The state has issued guidelines for non-essential travel ahead of the holidays, warning that traveling to visit family or friends who live outside your household can bring an increased risk of getting coronavirus and spreading it when you return home, especially when traveling via plane, bus or train.

• Wear a mask anywhere you will be around people who do not live with you, including shopping, events and on public transit. This includes close friends and family.
• Keep your distance -- especially from older family members and those with chronic health conditions.
• Avoid gathering indoors with other households.
• If you must be indoors, keep windows and doors open so fresh air circulates, wear a mask and spread out as much as possible.
• Don't share utensils or drinks with anyone.
• Keep gatherings short, whether inside or outside.
• If you or a family member is at higher risk for complications from COVID-19, consider skipping the gathering this year or joining via video call. If you do gather, wear a surgical or N95 mask.
• Limit celebrations to your household, but if you do invite others, limit to two other households.
• Avoid travel. Self quarantine and get tested before you leave and when you get home if you do travel.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Anaheim residents can get help with their internet costs thanks to a our Internet Access Rebate Program.

Applications are open and funds are still readily available. 

The program offers a rebate up to $120 for three months of internet service to qualified residents who have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis, with the goal of providing needed connectivity to those who are working from home or have children participating in distance learning.

Residents with an annual income up to $102,450 for a family of four can qualify for the program, which is administered by Anaheim Public Utilities. Applicants must be enrolled in one of Anaheim Public Utilities' other income qualified discount programs and can register now and then apply.

The amount of each applicant's rebate will be based on the number of users in their household. For one to two users, it will be up to $60, for three to four users, up to $90, and for five or more users, up to $120 -- typically paid in equal installments over three months.

Checks will be sent out within four weeks of submitting proof of internet service, such as a bill from your provider, and the program will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted.

The rebate program is part of Anaheim's Community and Economic Recovery Plan, our $36 million effort to provide relief and assistance to residents and businesses amid these challenging times.

Click here to learn more and to apply.

Free COVID-19 testing is offered for those with or without symptoms at Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim City Hall.

Whether or not you have insurance, you'll be tested at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Anaheim Convention Center offers drive-thru testing by appointment Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Get tested at Anaheim City Hall's walk-up testing kiosk on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Latino Health Access also offers drive-thru and walk-up testing on Mondays at Magnolia High School and Fridays at Anaheim High School from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.