With COVID-19 cases on the rise around the country, including in the Columbia River Gorge, health officials continue to urge people not to travel and avoid social gatherings over the Thanksgiving holiday.  Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s two-week “freeze” directs the public to gather in groups no larger than six, and to draw guests from no more than two household, but health officials say it is safer still is to stay home for Thanksgiving, and perhaps visit family virtually.  Hood River County Health Officer Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg asks people to consider how to have a meaningful experience with friends and family without traveling and visiting in person.  Wasco County has reported nearly 100 COVID-19 cases in the last two weeks, and Hood River County has had 68 in that time frame.