Gov. Ned Lamont is recommending families keep their Thanksgiving celebrations to 10 people or less, but local doctors say with COVID-19 cases spiking, it's best to keep dinner even smaller.

Dr. Onyema Ogbuadu is an infectious disease specialist with Yale Medicine. He says that state's recommended cap at 10 people on Thanksgiving is too high.

"I would really advise that nuclear families or families within the household celebrate together," said Ogbuadu.

With COVID-19 spread back at the levels Connecticut saw back in March, Ogbuadu says getting together with anyone who lives outside of your home poses too big of a risk.

"Unfortunately congregating like that in a household could lead to spreader events," said Ogbuadu.

Some families are renting tents for backyard celebrations. Ogbuadu says while that may carry less risk, it is still dangerous and not safe.

The doctor says everyone would need to wear masks, social distance and more to make sure everyone stays healthy.

Ogbuadu says this year's December holiday celebrations will come with the same caveats.

"We can all reasonably expect that we will still be dealing with a record number of cases at that time," he said.

Dr. Ogbuadu is the lead investigator in Yale's Pfizer vaccine trials.