Washington, D.C. (Thursday, June 25, 2020) – DC Mayor Muriel Bowser says COVID-19 remains a real risk and she wants city residents to take heed by avoiding any big 4th of July festivities.

Bowser today called on city residents to stay home July 4th.  “Our strong recommendation is that DC residents celebrate the 4th of July at home or near their home in small gatherings,” said Bowser.  The mayor’s recommendations come as 23 other states are seeing a dramatic increase in coronavirus cases.  Wednesday the US marked its biggest spike in cases with 45k infections reported.

Bowser says while the White House is moving ahead with plans for the big 4th of July celebration on the National Mall, she wants residents to resist the urge to attend.  At the same time, the mayor says her administration will provide the usual support for that activity.  But she’s hoping the large crowds will stay away.

DC continues to see a slow in its number of COVID-19 cases.  As of today, there are 10,159 overall positive cases and 543 fatalities.