In Large Crowds especially, wear the mask
For many, last year’s Fourth of July didn’t go quite as planned. Countless families were forced to modify their usual celebrations because of the COVID pandemic. But this year, things are different.
With COVID restrictions being lifted, including in New York, Indiana, and other states but FOX 23 is stating due to droughts out in the West alot of places are closing down a Fourth of July Fireworks display in many areas out west in the US. Though there are still going to be parting possibly at home. Hoosiers are ready to celebrate this holiday season pre-pandemic style. That means family barbecues, fireworks and the usual festivities.
It’s been a tough year to the past year and half, so we’re really excited to get back out there and get back to our normal lives and CELEBRATE!
Were not saying not to celebrate the 4th of July but what we are saying is be SAFE, SAFE, SAFE! So our government doesn’t go backwards in panic putting the most of society stuck homes and those that are front line providers are the only ones going to work without forgetting LESS MASK WEARING.
The Fourth of July is a time for America to commemorate the passage of the Declaration of Independence and often celebrated with parades, concerts, firework shows, family road trips, barbeques, and parties where participants toast to the nation.
Sadly, these holiday festivities can lead to potentially deadly consequences on the roads, especially when alcohol is thrown into the mix. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, 812 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving drunk drivers during the July 4th holiday period from 2014-2018.
“Many of our service members and their families will take to the roads in hopes of celebrating our nation’s birthday someplace special,” said Michael Ballard, chief of occupational safety, Air Force Safety Center. “I urge leadership at all levels to take time to engage with Airmen and Guardians about having a plan to reduce the risks associated with their holiday weekend activities.”
Ballard emphasized safety as a top priority while participating in this year’s celebrations and the use of sound risk management to help prevent injuries and mishaps.
Whether you’re planning a family gathering or attending one, or perhaps you’re heading out to a bar or restaurant, or maybe you’re venturing to a holiday-related function, you may find yourself amid a mixed crowd of vaccinated and unvaccinated people. With that, it is inevitable to face some health risks. in
Tips to Remember this 4th of July in regards to COVID safety for everyone, not just vaccinated or nonvaccinated people. Looking at everyone here are a few tips:
- All of our experts following COVID agreed that one of the best modes of protection would be to avoid crowded spaces and large gatherings. If you find yourself in a crowded space or with a lot of people – whether you are vaccinated or not – it’s still best to wear masks, especially if indoors. That is particularly true for individuals who live with people who are ineligible for the vaccine, such as children under 12, some immunocompromised patients and other adults with certain health conditions.
- It is also a good idea to keep track of all attendees. That way, if anyone gets sick, there is an idea of who needs to be contacted and warned of a potential exposure.
- It is important to continue to wash or sanitize your hands. The ideal holiday event would include handwashing stations and plenty of hand sanitizer, suggested Elizabeth Delery, Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Marion University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Food is a very important aspect of the holiday season to consider keeping safe. This could include minimizing the number of people responsible for preparing the food for your holiday event. Additionally, Delery recommends that those responsible for preparing and distributing the food be vaccinated, as well as avoiding certain food setups, such as buffets. That style “is a bit riskier because people will be walking past the food and will be breathing on it,” Delery warned. “If there is a buffet style event, it might be better to allow vaccinated individuals to get their food first. However, individual plates or servings that are pre-portioned and that have been prepared by a vaccinated individual would be even better.”
- Delery also proposed serving less finger foods and having more foods that require utensils. The less eating with your hands, the fewer opportunities for “putting germs into your mouth.” Let’s try swapping the barbequed chicken for pulled chicken instead. This especially goes for children. Don’t forget to make sure they are washing their hands and not sharing drinks or utensils with others.
- With COVID in mind, Dr. Amy Beth Kressel points out that outdoor activities for this holiday season will be safer. That’s because “there’s an enormous amount of air moving, plus the humidity helps degrade the virus more quickly,” said Kressel, the Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship at Eskenazi Health. Kressel still stressed the importance of avoiding crowded areas, even outdoors, especially if unvaccinated. She said maintaining six feet distance and limiting maskless contact with others is crucial. If this is difficult, be mindful of the amount of time spent unmasked or in a crowd, as the exposure time is key.
Many of these COVID safety practices can also keep individuals protected against even against other illnesses such as a common cold, the flu or stomach viruses, and worse. The less restricted you are at home for many the better. Most people in percentage don’t want to be stuck home again.
