Zoom offers longer virtual family hangouts as it lifts its 40-minute time limit as part of the Thanksgiving Day celebrations.
With the recent surge in new daily covid-19 cases, the CDC reiterates that Americans must follow the guidelines when celebrating festivities during the holidays. It is for this reason that many families will not be able to be with each other physically. The good news is, with the advancements of technology, there are virtual hangout platforms that they can use.
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One of the most known and widely used platforms is Zoom. Ever since the start of the pandemic that caused lockdowns in many areas, Zoom has been a very helpful tool. From professional conferences and seminars to family gatherings and informal hangouts, it became the go-to platform for many.
However, one downside of Zoom is that the free access they offer will only allow a 40-minute session. As a result, users are forced to restart a chat after the time limit is up.
A Thanksgiving Present
According to CNN, in a recent tweet from Zoom, they have announced that the standard 40-minute restriction on its free meetings will be lifted globally. This will start at midnight on Nov. 26 through 6 a.m. ET on Nov. 27. This is an excellent alternative to many, especially after the CDC highly recommends canceling or limiting the number of individuals at a celebration or other activities.
According to the Verge, this is a way of Zoom thanking their customers and also to ensure that family gatherings don't get cut short during Thanksgiving. One of the companies that benefited massively amid the pandemic is Zoom. Screenrant reports that they had a remarkable financial increase in Q2 2020.
Zoom saw a significant influx of users in early 2020 because the world's current situation is in need of its services. Zoom revealed that they earned 663.5 million dollars in revenue, for a year-over-year increase of 355% in terms of numbers. They also had a 458% increase in customers compared to the previous year.
The company courageously admitted that most of its revenue increase was brought about by the fact that people were working and socializing from their homes due to lockdown protocols. They said that the current work-from-home customers and businesses relying on Zoom to expand their own remote work capabilities were also significant contributors.
Threats Of Increased Infections Rates
With covid-19 cases hitting record highs all over the country, staying away from family and friends, this holiday may not necessarily be a bad thing. Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside the household poses very high risks. On the other hand, having a virtual party with family and friends is considered a low-risk activity and is highly encouraged.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, which is the Head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, also mentioned in an interview back in October that there is a concern about the virus spreading in the fall. He reiterates that people should be cautious about social gatherings. Family members that are old and have underlying conditions are mainly at risk.
Related article: Coronavirus and Thanksgiving: Creative Ways to Safely Celebrate Amid the Pandemic
