Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro shared a safety message ahead of Thanksgiving: Keep holiday gatherings small and make sure to social distance.

"We're staying home, staying local, keeping it small, which really is the message. Just keep your social gathering, your family gathering, your holiday small and be considerate," he says.

Molinaro says he is hoping to lead by example with that message as the county continues to see coronavirus cases and hospitalizations climb.

Within a week, the county's active cases have grown to more than 500, with hospitalizations up to 31.

"Most of the transmissions are being brought back to or linked directly back to small social interactions," he says.

The finding about gatherings comes ahead of a holiday known to do just that.

"People are fatigued. They're tired. After eight, nine months of really being good at following the mitigation steps...people are to the point of 'I've had it,' but now is not the time. We are heading into the holiday seasons," says Dr. Anil Vaidian, of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health.

Marist College is testing students before they leave and is recommending that they test again and briefly quarantine when they get home.

The college has seen its active case load drop to 61 after testing thousands within the last few weeks to contain and control the spread.

On Wednesday night, Vassar Brothers Medical Center along with the Dutchess County government will be holding a virtual event to answer questions about the pandemic and offer advice on staying healthy through the holiday season.