Bay Area Residents Urged to Stay Home This 4th Of July

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA — With the coronavirus spreading rapidly in many parts of the Bay Area, the Association of Bay Area Health Officials urged residents Thursday to protect themselves and the community by celebrating from home this Fourth of July holiday weekend.

The Fourth of July is traditionally a time for firework displays, cookouts and parades, but this year the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many communities to cancel public events. Health officials say attending gatherings with others from outside one's own household, such as members of the extended family, are potentially risky.

Health officers from across the greater Bay Area say staying home this year is a healthy choice.

“Nobody wants to be cooped up, or to miss out on the holiday,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer. “But the more we come together in groups, the more COVID-19 spreads in the community. And the more it spreads, the more it endangers older adults and others at high risk of serious illness.”

A person can spread coronavirus even if they don't feel that sick.

"You can pass the disease to someone else before you have symptoms, and even if you never develop any symptoms at all,"ABAHO said. "When infected people come in contact with others who are high-risk, there can be deadly consequences."

Bay Area health officers recommend people who are not members of the same household remain physically distant.

The best ways to protect yourself and slow the spread of COVID-19 include:

• Continuing to stay home as much as possible
• Practicing physical distancing outside the home
• Wearing face coverings or masks when outside your home
• Avoiding gatherings with people outside your immediate household
• Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently
• Staying home from work, school or daycare if you feel sick

All Bay Area residents are encouraged to get tested for the virus— immediately if they have symptoms.