The Fourth is definitely going to be very different this year.
Due to the alarming spike in cases over the last few weeks—last weekend in particular—Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is ordering beaches closed for the 4th of July weekend and there’s a ban on all fireworks. Additionally, last Sunday Newsom ordered a number of counties to immediately close all bars (except establishments serving it alongside food), this includes L.A. County.
To slow the spread of #COVID19 and prevent crowding that can result in more people becoming infected, all LA County beaches, piers, parking lots, and bike paths will be closed Friday, July 3 at 12:01 AM to Monday, July 6 at 5:00 AM https://t.co/TAAoYjk9mg pic.twitter.com/hbBkiC4rnf
— Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) June 30, 2020
All beaches and beach parking lots, piers, bike paths, and access points will also be closed from July 3 through July 6 at 5:00 am to prevent dangerous crowding that results in the spread of deadly COVID-19. Fireworks across the county will be banned for the same reason during the July 4th weekend, according to the L.A. County press release.
“Closing the beaches and prohibiting fireworks displays during this important summer holiday weekend was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but it’s the responsible decision to protect public health and protect our residents from a deadly virus. The Fourth of July holiday weekend typically means large crowds and gatherings to celebrate, a recipe for increased transmission of COVID-19,” said L.A. County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, via a statement.
Note: Long Beach has its own health department and this announcement does not apply to that city, at this time.
The total number of L.A. County cases has now passed 107,772.
See More: Here’s How You Can Celebrate The 4th Of July In L.A. This Year
Featured Image: Jessica Christian