Independence Day is right around the corner, but now more than ever, it is important that we act for the collect good of the many instead of the independent needs of our own. COVID-19 cases are spiking again across the country, and we all need to do our part to help slow the spread. With the long weekend and beautiful weather on the horizon, it is a recipe for a continued spike in cases if we’re not careful. Below, we share some sensible tips for celebrating the 4th while still helping to slow the spread of the virus.
Slowing The Spread Of COVID-19 Over The 4th Of July
One thing we’ve come to realize is that everybody takes COVID-19 mitigation to a different degree. There are people that haven’t left their home in months, and there are others that have continued to live life like COVID-19 isn’t a thing. Both of these measures are extreme, and so in hopes of speaking to the largest audience, we’re proposing some tips that tend to fall somewhere in the middle ground that also will do the most good for our society. So here’s how you can help slow the spread of COVID-19 during your 4th of July celebrations.
Masks When Indoors In Public – As we’ve been preaching on this blog for a while, one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to help slow the spread of the virus is to wear a mask when you’re indoors in public locations. Even if you’re just running into the gas station to buy snacks for the road trip or picking up a kiddie pool at Walmart, wear your mask. The scientific data shows that #Masks4All when indoors in public locations can greatly slow the spread, so if you’re indoors and out in public, don a mask.
Limit Unnecessary Trips – What we mean by this is try to get all of your errands done in the fewest amount of trips. Don’t make three small trips to the grocery store in a week; instead try to do one larger trip to limit your exposure to other people. If you’re stocking up on supplies for the 4th, make a complete list and try to knock it out in one trip.
Avoid Busy Times – Grocery stores and retailers are going to be busiest Thursday and Friday as people gear up for the weekend, so try to avoid shopping at peak hours on these days. Get their early or do your shopping late in the evening to avoid large crowds and limit potential exposure. If you are eligible to shop during special store hours for high risk individuals or senior citizens, take advantage of this opportunity.
Keep Washing Hands – Continue to make hand washing a priority throughout the holiday weekend. Washing hands can kill germs and really help stop you from spreading the virus or contracting it if you’ve come in contact with a droplet containing the virus. Regularly wash your hands this weekend and beyond.
If You’re Showing, You’re Not Going – Finally, we know that you’re probably looking forward to this weekend and getting back to some normalcy in your life, but if you’re showing any symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. You have a civic responsibility to yourself and others if you believe you may have the coronavirus. If you’re worried about whether you may have it, look into free testing sites or get screened before meeting with friends and family.