How to Safely Celebrate July 4 During the COVID-19 Pandemic Going to a restaurant Choose a place that mandates the wearing of face masks, seats customers six feet apart and offers contactless menus. Booking a rental home or hotel room Minimize contact with high-touch surfaces in shared spaces, such as elevator buttons, door handles and dining tables. Going to the beach or pool Remember to bring your own disinfectant wipes and wear a mask when you’re not in the water. Make sure you’re observing proper social distancing measures whether you’re in or out of the water. Hosting a barbecue When throwing a cookout, the safest choice would be to only invite those you’re isolating with. If you do invite others, have them bring their own food and utensils, wear masks and sit separately to avoid exposure. Watching public fireworks Your best bet would be to stay home and light your own fireworks, but some states don’t allow this. If you go to a public event, make sure to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.