July 3, 2020 - SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Sonia Angell issued 
the following statement today warning Californians not to gather with people outside of their immediate households this Fourth of July weekend to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities:
"Traditionally, Fourth of July is a time of gathering to celebrate the freedoms this country offers us.
"This year, however, family gatherings are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19. Any time two households mix together, we risk getting each other sick. For some people, especially adults who are older and people with health issues, COVID-19 can have serious and even deadly consequences.
"Any public or private events this weekend that include people who do not live together in the same household should not happen. This includes family get-togethers.
"If you live in a county on the county monitoring list, your county should consider cancelling firework shows. In counties not on the list, municipal fireworks displays may still happen, but to watch them, residents must find ways to watch them from their cars and apart from others. Gatherings around these events should be canceled.
"This Independence Day, let's show our patriotism by protecting one another. Let's stay apart from those who don't live with us, and when we're out, protect one another by wearing a face covering, physically distancing, and washing our hands frequently."
COVID-19 Resources
More than 100 community testing sites also offer free, confidential testing: Find a COVID-19 Testing Site.
For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.
California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health's Guidance web page.
Source: CDPH
