A national poll on family Thanksgiving gatherings revealed that parents think meeting with extended family is important to children.

A total of 53 percent shared this belief, as shown in a national poll conducted by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

On the other hand, 78 percent think it is vital to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, while 35 percent say that gathering with family at Thanksgiving is worth the risk of spreading or getting the virus.

A new Harris poll also showed that a growing number of Americans are changing their plans amid the surge of COVID-19 cases.

Between 25 percent and 30 percent of Americans are still planning to travel for Thanksgiving or gather with people outside their homes. This despite warnings from experts and federal health agencies advising not to do so.

Related story: CDC Warns Americans Not to Travel for Thanksgiving

Based on the poll data, younger Americans and Republicans are most likely to ignore the order of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Forty percent of Republicans said they are likely to gather with other households, while 35 percent are planning to travel. That is compared to 23 percent and 18 percent of Democrats, respectively.

The CDC posted guidelines ahead of the holidays meant to complement, not replace, any state or local health and safety laws. One of the options to make your Thanksgiving holiday safer is by celebrating it virtually. 

CDC said that travel might increase your chance of getting exposed to COVID-19, adding that staying at home is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.

However, if you are considering traveling for Thanksgiving, the CDC suggests that you should ask yourself if you or someone you are visiting have an increased risk of getting sick from COVID-19.

CDC recommends that if one cannot refrain from gathering during Thanksgiving, mask-wearing should be a requirement, as well as practicing social distancing.

The health agency also recommends the frequent practice of proper hygiene, such as handwashing. It is also more ideal to bring your own food and utensils during Thanksgiving gatherings, as CDC posted on its website.

Going in and out where the food is being prepared and handled should also be avoided. It is also best to use single-use utensils and food containers. 

Related story: Thanksgiving for Latinos Is Different

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden also joined calls for safety, urging people to avoid family gatherings, as well as wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. Biden said he knows that the American public can beat the pandemic.

"Life is going to return to normal. I promise you. This will happen," Biden said in a Channel News Asia report. He added that this would not be forever.

About one million passengers daily have been screened at airport security checkpoints for the past week.

Sunday's total of 1.047 million has been the highest number since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-March.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, called on the public to keep Thanksgiving gatherings as small as possible.

"If we do those things, we're going to get through it," Fauci said in a report.