DC Mayor Encourages Residents To Stay Home July 4th

WASHINGTON, DC — As District residents begin to make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Mayor Muriel Bowser reminded the public that the city is still under a public health emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Our strong recommendation is that D.C. residents celebrate the Fourth of July at home or near their home in small gatherings," Bowser said, during a Thursday morning press briefing.

The mayor acknowledged that the District was aware the White House has already announced plans to host a Salute to America in the afternoon on the Ellipse, and the National Park Service would be conducting fireworks to celebrate the holiday at dusk.

"We will continue to support those activities in the way that we have traditionally, but we hope that the crowds that come in non-pandemic years won't materialize this year," she said.

Bowser confirmed the city would provide street closures and any other measures necessary to support those activities.

The District entered phase two of its phased reopening on Monday, which lifted a number of restrictions for residents and businesses. However, mass gatherings are still limited to a maximum of 50 people. Bowser said the city would still be under phase two restrictions on July 4.

"Large gatherings are still a high-risk activity," Bowser said. "So, if you're outdoors, that's still a high-risk activity. We want to urge people to properly social distance, to wear a mask, and to practice good hand-hygiene by washing your hands or using a hand sanitizer, and to avoid public transportation."

The D.C. Department of Health will be providing guidance on its website on how families can celebrate the holiday safely.

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