City Of Pasadena Calls For Responsible Recreation Over Upcoming Holiday Weekend

September 1, 2020

PASADENA, Calif.—Heading into Labor Day weekend, the Pasadena Public Health Department urges the public to celebrate responsibly to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

After recent holidays, including Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and the Fourth of July, Pasadena experienced significant increases in local laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19. Contact tracers were able to attribute the majority of new cases to parties, get-togethers, and gatherings. The most impactful change the community can make to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the upcoming holiday weekend is to avoid gathering with people who do not live in your household.

Pasadena residents are still subject to statewide and local stay-at-home orders. Public health officials are reminding everyone about the importance of staying close to home and continuing to physically distance, use face coverings, wash hands frequently, and clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

“We continue to see the consequences of parties and social gatherings during our case interviews. The best way to honor the spirit of workers on Labor Day, especially essential workers, is to stay home and only gather with people who live in your household,” says Pasadena Public Health Epidemiologist Dr. Matthew Feaster.

“Now that the County and State are seeing a reduction in new cases, our concern is people may interpret these reductions as a sign that the virus is gone,” said Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, health officer and director of the Pasadena Public Health Department. “It’s never been more important that we continue to take public health actions like physical distancing and covering your face to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

The public is urged to modify traditional Labor Day outdoor celebrations by wearing face coverings and only celebrating with the people you live with. Stay close to home, and stay safe by avoiding large gatherings.

Active recreation (walking, running, biking and other activities) is encouraged for health and well-being as long as physical distancing is maintained.

Remember the three “Ws” when celebrating: Wash your hands, Wear your face coverings and Watch your distance.

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www.cityofpasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the Citizen Service Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (626) 744-7311.

This press release was produced by the City of Pasadena. The views expressed here are the author’s own.