City of Pasadena Calls for “Responsible Recreation” Over Upcoming Holiday Weekend

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, officials said. 

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 not gather with people who do not live in your household, according to the city.

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 with physical distancing, use face covering, hand washing, and disinfecting measures.  

“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 in your own household,” says Dr. Matthew Feaster, Epidemiologist. 

“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 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.”

Dr. Kimberly Shriner, infectious disease specialist at the Huntington Hospital, issued a similar statement.

“As we approach the Labor Day weekend, and with temperatures expected in the 100’s, I would like to encourage the community to please stay safe and cool at home. It’s natural for people to want to gather together over these holiday weekends, but parties —big and small—continue to be highly effective spreaders of COVID-19,” Shriner said. “Please stay safe by continuing to wear a mask and follow social distancing recommendations.”

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

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.