America may celebrate Independence Day a little differently this year due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country and in Arizona.

Dr. Cara Christ, the state’s health services director, is asking Arizonans to limit their festivities this holiday weekend to people in their immediate households or daily contacts. Christ is also discouraging large groups at home or out in public. 

“If you do have people over, try to stay outside as much as possible, make sure that you’re staying hydrated, physically distanced and wearing a mask if you are not with your normal cohort," she said during a Monday press conference with Gov. Doug Ducey.  

Christ also emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable family members, like grandparents and friends. She suggested celebrating the holiday with those high-risk individuals through FaceTime or other video chat apps. 

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