"Traditionally, Fourth of July is a time of gathering to celebrate the freedoms this country offers us.

"This year, however, family gatherings are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19. Any time two households mix together, we risk getting each other sick. For some people, especially adults who are older and people with health issues, COVID-19 can have serious and even deadly consequences. 

"Any public or private events this weekend that include people who do not live together in the same household should not happen. This includes family get-togethers.

"If you live in a county on the county monitoring list, your county should consider cancelling firework shows. In counties not on the list, municipal fireworks displays may still happen, but to watch them, residents must find ways to watch them from their cars and apart from others. Gatherings around these events should be canceled.

"This Independence Day, let's show our patriotism by protecting one another. Let's stay apart from those who don't live with us, and when we're out, protect one another by wearing a face covering, physically distancing, and washing our hands frequently."