News Flash

Celebrations with crowds that do not follow proper physical distancing guidelines could lead to extended restrictions in North Carolina and Orange County.

“The increase in positive COVID-19 cases in North Carolina is very likely associated with increased gatherings during the Memorial Day holiday,” says Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart. “We are urging everyone to continue safe practices, especially during the holiday weekend, so we don’t see an additional spike in cases in the coming weeks.”

North Carolina and Orange County are currently in Safer-At-Home, Phase Two of re-opening until at least July 17. Safer-at-home orders limit indoor gatherings to 10 people and outdoor to 25 people. People should still wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet distance from others when they gather with people that are not from their household.

Celebrate Safely

Holidays like the Fourth of July are usually celebrated in large crowds and with family and friends, but we must adapt to protect those we love and care about. Consider celebrating Independence Day differently this year:

• Porch Potluck: Instead of gathering, do a food potluck drive-by. Make your signature dish for a potluck and drop off portions at the homes of those who would normally join together (like your neighbors). Set up a time for the potluck drive-by to begin and once everyone is done distributing, set up a virtual conference (over Zoom, Google Hangout, Skype, etc.) so everyone can still enjoy their goodies together.
• Take a virtual tour of American Museums and Historical Sites like: the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Statue of Liberty, Visit Philadelphia’s nifty online tour.
• Host an online patriotic movie night. Netflix has a Netflix Party app so friends and family can synchronize video playback across multiple homes.
• Do some Fourth of July crafting with those in your household.

Don’t Add Fireworks to your At-Home Celebration

Many area events have been canceled due to COVID-19. All fireworks which explode or are projected into the air are illegal in North Carolina. Those include Roman candles, firecrackers, aerial fireworks, bottle rockets, and firecrackers. Even fireworks that don’t explode or leave the ground can be dangerous. For example, sparklers burn at around 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals.

If you do intend to use fireworks to celebrate July 4^th, please read these important firework safety tips from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Face Coverings Required

• Orange County Board of County Commissioners issued the mandated use of face coverings (FAQ) in public spaces for any person age 12 or older to begin June 12.
• Gov. Roy Cooper announced June 24 a statewide mandated use of face coverings (FAQ).

Remember your Three Ws

While we are able to do more outside of our homes in phase two, COVID-19 is not over, and we need to take steps to limit the spread of the virus. If you must go out, remember your three Ws:

• Wear a face covering (remember it should cover both your nose and mouth);
• Wait 6 feet apart from others who don’t live in your household; and
• Wash your hands frequently.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
Contact: Kristin Prelipp, Communications Manager and Public Information Officer
Orange County Health Department
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov or (919) 245-2462