As a reminder, COVID-19 is thought to be spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. It may also spread to hands from a contaminated surface and then to the nose, mouth or eyes, causing infection. The following are some general safety tips for staying safe during this Labor Day celebration.

In addition to the nationwide pandemic, Americans will be on the roads and traveling for the upcoming holiday weekend. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 390 fatalities and 44,400 serious injuries will talk place on U.S. roadways during the holiday. 

National Safety Council Safety Tips:

• Practice safe defensive driving. Buckle up, designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation.

• Get plenty of sleep to avoid fatigue and drive attentively, avoiding distractions.

• Recognize the dangers of drugged driving, including impairment from cannabis and opioids. 

• Stay engaged in teens' driving habits.

• Learn more about your vehicle's safety systems and how to use them.

• Fix recalls immediately.

Click below for a Downloadable
Labor Day Safety Tip

COVID Safety Tips:

• Prior to group or family gatherings, communicate with party goers COVID safe practice expectations. Assign responsibilities to various attendees.

• Ensure disinfection products are available and used frequently throughout the day. Set a timer on your phone as a reminder.

• If you are symptomatic, or are in contact with someone that it, stay at home to prevent the potential for spread.

• Bring small COVID mitigation posters and place them around your group’s area to be a constant reminder (wear your mask, sanitize, maintain physical distance, etc.).

• Families should bring their own snacks and drinks and should not share.

• Wear your mask except when eating! Make this a party requirement and gamify it – the most creative mask wins a prize!

• Practice fist and elbow bumps and minimize handshakes and high-fives.

• Bring three bottles of sanitizer and use them frequently, especially before and after meals. As a reminder, set a timer on your phone to sanitize.

• Disinfect common surfaces throughout the day, especially before and after meals. This includes your phone!

• Practice social distancing by having family pods separated from other family pods, when eating and whenever possible.

• Gatherings should be outside in open air, do not gather in doors.

• Note: The larger the in-person gatherings where it is difficult to physically distance and attendees traveling from outside the local area, the higher the risk.

General Labor Day Safety Tips

• Practice safe driving. Don’t be under the influence and drive.

• Grill smart. Don’t leave the grill unattended and don’t cross contaminate raw food with cooked food.

• Protect against insects. Mosquitoes, bee stings, and other insect bites can cause a reaction to many people. Avoid wearing perfumes and bright colors.

• Stay safe by water. If at the beach, know the flag warnings. If by the pool, share lifeguard duties and maintain constant vigilance over kids.

• Protect from the sun. Use at a minimum of a 30 SPF and reapply every two hours (one if swimming).  

Be Smart, Stay Safe!