Safely Celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday During the COVID-19 Pandemic

New City, NY, - Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert remind residents that COVID-19 is still active in New York and our area. It is important to remain vigilant (careful) and continue to follow recommended public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

"We want everyone to have a safe and happy Fourth of July – but to do that, residents need to avoid large crowds and not have any large gatherings in your home, except for the people already living with you. Think about alternative ways to see firework displays such as watching it from your home or online where it's being streamed. To keep you and your family safe, your Fourth of July holiday celebration will be different this year, and that's ok," said Dr. Ruppert.

If you planned to have get-togethers with family and friends this weekend, the most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to limit gatherings to outdoors, keep it small, wear a mask or face covering that covers your mouth and nose when you cannot maintain 6' away from other people. Continue to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your cough and sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, and do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Clean frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, handles, remote controls, and phones.

"This year's celebrations must be different from what we all consider to be normal," said County Executive Ed Day. "Residents should follow these precautions in order to protect their friends, family and our entire community from the further spread of COVID-19. It is up to each of us to do our part and celebrate in the safest way possible. Do what's right."

The whole world is currently experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, a respiratory infection that is easily transmitted from person-to-person. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be deadly. Symptoms can include cough, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or loss of smell/ taste. Response to the infection can turn deadly in older people and people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, lung diseases, and diabetes. However, people of all ages can suffer severe reactions and even death from COVID-19. People of all ages can become infected and spread the disease to others before showing signs of illness.

For more information or questions, call the Rockland County COVID-19 Hotline at 845-238-1956, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm or email COVIDCallCenter@co.rockland.ny.us. For local COVID-19 information and resources, visit the county's coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage at http://rcklnd.us/covid19 or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rockhealth or Twitter at www.twitter.com/rockhealth for more information.