The Friday Five - A Very COVID 4th of July

The Friday Five – A Very COVID 4th of July

Independence Day is tomorrow. You may be wondering if it will feel like a holiday at all due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Don’t worry, we have you covered. The fourth of July is a holiday usually packed with fun gatherings and events. Americans from coast to coast typically celebrate our nation’s birthday with picnics, parties, road trips and fireworks. This week’s Friday Five offers tips and advice on how to still celebrate and enjoy Independence Day while adhering the medical recommendations to stay safe and healthy.

20 Ways to Stay Safe During 4th of July
The American Red Cross (@RedCross) warns that celebrating Independence Day will be different due this year to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They offer safety tips you can follow on Firework Safety, Grilling Safety, and Water Safety. Most importantly, they state to continue to social distance by staying 6 feet away from others, especially if you are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 (over age 65 or any age with underlying medical conditions.) Next they urge you to continue to wear cloth face coverings in public. Face coverings are most essential when social distancing is difficult.

How To Celebrate July 4th Safely During The Coronavirus Pandemic
This 6-Minute Listen from NPR (@NPR) discusses how COVID-19 can’t stop the July Fourth holiday from coming, but how people can have fun and stay safe at the same time.

Honor America’s Birthday (Safely) in 2020
The New York Times (@nytimes) gives other options to have a festive 4th of July, since congregating for parades and fireworks isn’t happening this year. One suggestion is to watch a movie about the country’s founding. A live recording of “Hamilton,” the acclaimed Broadway musical from the writer and its star Lin-Manuel Miranda, and the director Thomas Kail, arrives on Disney Plus on Friday.

Celebrating the 4th of July During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Comfort Keepers, a leading provider of quality in-home senior care, (@ComfortKeepers) gives guidance that seniors and other populations at a high-risk for Coronavirus should continue to self-isolate and avoid public spaces. With this in mind, they have come up with a list of alternative Independence Day celebrations ideas to consider this year.

20 Things to Do on the 4th of July That the Whole Family Will Love
Oprah Magazine (@oprahmagazine) recognizes that America’s birthday won’t be the same in 2020. Most community celebrations are cancelled, but that doesn’t mean the whole holiday has to be cancelled as well. Check out these 20 options from nature walks and family bike parades, to games, crafts and more intimate cookouts, this list has it all for those who still want to celebrate Independence Day.