(CNN)A combination of factors could make the Fourth of July a “perfect storm” of coronavirus infections, warned one doctor — but only for those who don’t choose to safely navigate the holiday weekend.
Cities opening, people not following preventative guidelines and people traveling could cause a spike in new Covid-19 cases, said Dr. Joshua Barocas, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center, during a briefing Wednesday by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
But it doesn’t have to be that way if you want to have a safer Independence Day weekend, according to Erin Bromage, CNN contributor and biology professor at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
“We need to be vigilant with what we’re doing, so keep your distance, keep it outside, wash your hands often, wear a mask when you can’t distance,” Bromage said.
Host your barbecue outdoors with plenty of social distancing and cancel if it rains, Bromage said. Keep your distance in the pool and at the beach, and if you can’t, then turn around and head home. When it comes to firework shows, Bromage said distance is also key.
“If we’re jammed into a small backyard watching all of these fireworks because that’s the only viewing window that we have, then it’s not a great idea,” Bromage said. “If you can actually spread out and create distance with your family and other families, then you can do this safely.”
You don’t need to crowd together to have fun celebrating Independence Day. Here are some safer alternatives.
