The 4th of July is upon us and is a time of celebration with family and friends.
Many of the celebrations will look different this year with extended parade routes, social distancing and masks but there will still be events with many people in attendance.
According to the CDC, large gatherings pose a high risk of spreading COVID19. A recent incident in Lower Michigan (a bar in East Lansing) where 85 people have now tested positive for COVID – 19 is a powerful reminder that those of us in the Upper Peninsula must continue to maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others not in the same household, wear cloth face coverings, thoroughly wash hands or use hand sanitizer often.
Of the 85 who have tested positive tied to the incident downstate, all are under the age of 30, none are currently hospitalized, and 23 are asymptomatic.
Nicholas Derusha, Health Officer for the Luce Mackinac Alger Schoolcraft (LMAS) District Health Department stated, “When we let our guard down and stop practicing the necessary precautions, we see clearly in this recent incident how easily and quickly the virus which causes COVID-19 can spread. With the upcoming 4th of July holiday we must be smart and continue practicing our protective measures.”
LMAS District Health Department urges residents and visitors to maintain distance, wear a cloth face covering when distance cannot be maintained – indoors or outdoors – unless you are with people within your own household.
Celebrate the 4th of July, but avoid crowds. This year has been something most of us have never experienced – many events have been retooled to protect the health and safety of everyone – many communities have canceled their celebrations, others have changed the plans to ensure healthy events.
For more information about COVID-19 and the Upper Peninsula, please visit LMASDHD.org
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