Fourth of July 2020: Tips for Staying Safe During COVID-19

Today marks 244 years of independence for the United States! The Fourth of July is a day in which the nation celebrates the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence signed in July 1776. In commemoration of Independence Day, the U.S. Census Bureau has released interesting facts about the Founding Fathers, the nation’s changing population and the various ways Americans celebrate this national holiday.

Independence Day History

• The Declaration of Independence, which included 56 signatures, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, was approved on July 4, 1776 by the 13 colonies.
• John Hancock, a merchant, was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. There were 1.1 million businesses with paid employees in the retail trade industry in 2016 —just like Hancock.
• Benjamin Franklin, from Pennsylvania, was the oldest signer at 70 years of age, while Edward Rutledge, from South Carolina, was the youngest at 26.
• There were an estimated 2.5 million people living in the independent nation in July 1776. Today, there are 328 million people living in the United States.

Tips for Staying Safe During the Pandemic

As the U.S. is still dealing with record-high daily cases of COVID-19, it is important to take necessary safety precautions if you choose to celebrate with friends and family this Fourth of July. Here are some tips for making this upcoming holiday enjoyable and safe for everyone, courtesy of American Red Cross.

• Continue to social distance by staying 6 feet away from others, especially if you are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 (over age 65 or any age with underlying medical conditions).
• Wear cloth face coverings in public. Face coverings are most essential when social distancing is difficult.
• Follow guidelines for your area when it comes to how large gatherings can be. Avoid crowds and mass gatherings, and have your small gatherings outside if possible! 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Stay home if you are sick.

NAWRB wishes you a memorable and relaxing holiday with your family, friends and loved ones.