ESCANABA — The Fourth of July is a time for celebration with family and friends. Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties encourages community members and visitors to celebrate this holiday and other summer celebrations in a safe manner in order for our communities to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19:

– Keep gatherings small.

– Gather outside.

– Wash or sanitize hands often, especially before and after eating and using the bathroom.

[ Wear face coverings.

– Practice social distancing.

– Do not share food, drinks, or other items – have everyone bring their own.

When possible, choose activities or behaviors that are lower risk. The more low risk choices you make during a gathering, the more protection you have from becoming infected with or spreading COVID-19. The virus is present in both Delta and Menominee counties and it is the duty of community members and visitors to reduce the opportunity for it to spread further.

“Although the Fourth of July is a time to be spent with friends and family, everybody needs to gather in only small groups, continue to practice social distancing, wear a face covering when out in public and wash their hands prior to and after eating. COVID-19 is still present within our community and if everyone follows these guidelines, we can continue to slow the spread of this highly contagious virus,” said Mike Snyder, health officer at Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties.

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.phdm.org or www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.