ESCANABA — OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group has announced the Liferides program is being paused this New Year’s Eve.

The program was introduced in 1983 by OSF St. Francis in partnership with The Island Resort & Casino and numerous community organizations in an effort to help prevent alcohol-related traffic accidents and fatalities on New Year’s Eve.

“Offering Liferides in the midst of this pandemic conflicts with the COVID-19 best practices we are encouraging our community members to follow,” said Dave Lord, president of OSF St. Francis Hospital.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, the hospital urged people to limit the time they spend indoors with people outside of their immediate household “or established social pod.” Continuing the practices of mask wearing, maintaining social distancing and frequent hand wishing is also encouraged.

“Unfortunately, there are added risks associated with gathering in groups this New Year’s Eve due to COVID-19,” said Lord.

Lord also noted the hospital’s committment to offering the program again when groups can gather again without risk of spreading COVID-19.

“Our community member’s choices have always played a major role in the success of our Liferides program, but this New Year’s Eve, those safe and smart choices are particularly crucial in keeping our highways and community safe,” said Lord.