Celebrate the Fourth of July safely: Prevent the spread of COVID-19

After months under stay-at-home orders, and summer in full swing, families are eager to get out of the house and connect with friends and loved ones.

However, COVID-19 is still being transmitted in our community – and as people begin to socialize with others who don’t live in the same household and visit places that have opened, the number of COVID-19 cases is expected to continue rising.

With that in mind, here are some tips to celebrate the Fourth of July safely with your family:

Celebrate virtually

Use technology such as FaceTime, Zoom or Skype to enjoy conversation over a meal together, especially if you are celebrating with family members over the age of 65, or those who are immunocompromised and have underlying conditions that put them at greater risk of complications from COVID-19.

Dine alfresco

Having a picnic in the backyard is an easy way to enjoy the outdoors and maintain social distancing. You can set up blankets or tables for those who live in the same household 6 feet from others. Be sure to use disposable tableware. Have one person, who is wearing gloves, dish up food onto plates. Or, consider purchasing boxed meals to reduce contact.

Wash or sanitize hands frequently

If you are dining in the backyard, you can set up a hand-washing station with a garden hose and soap dispenser. Also, have hand sanitizer made with at least 60% alcohol readily available.

Wear face coverings or masks

When not eating or drinking, keep your nose and mouth covered. Have a most creative or most festive mask contest.

Take temperatures

Make sure that no one at your gathering has a fever or other symptoms of illness. If you are sick, please stay home and take care of yourself.

Limit the size and length of time of your gathering

The more people you have spending time together in close proximity, even in the outdoors, increases the risk of exposure.

Proper hand washing, social distancing and wearing face coverings are the best ways to reduce spread of the virus until there is a vaccine for COVID-19.

If you need medical care during this time, rest assured that it is safe to visit your CHOC pediatrician or a CHOC emergency department. We know it can feel scary and stressful to have a sick child, especially during a pandemic, so here are tips for deciding where to go for care during COVID-19.

Get more expert health advice delivered to your inbox monthly by subscribing to the KidsHealth newsletter here.