The Californer - San Francisco: Mayor London Breed Encourages San Franciscans to Celebrate Fourth of July Weekend Safely and Limit Spread of COVID-19

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San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and City officials today encouraged San Franciscans and Bay Area residents to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend safely to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent fires in the city.

San Francisco typically hosts a Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration with a fireworks show, which usually attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This year, the celebration is canceled and residents are reminded to follow all San Francisco Public Health Orders, including the requirement to wear face coverings and stay at least six feet apart, if they leave their homes or visit San Francisco. San Francisco law prohibits the discharge of fireworks except for public displays. San Franciscans are reminded that fireworks remain illegal and pose a real danger to residents.

"The Fourth of July is normally a time to gather and celebrate with family, friends and neighbors. Unfortunately these are not normal times, and these types of gatherings are the environments in which COVID-19 spread," said Mayor Breed. "It is critical that all of us continue to follow the Health Orders designed to protect our safety. Please think carefully and act responsibly this weekend."

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"Each year, more than 12,000 fireworks-related injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms and half of them are children," said Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson. "Firework accidents cause millions of dollars in property loss each year, including vegetation fires that threaten homes and whole communities."

"At Fisherman's Wharf and in our northeastern neighborhoods, we are working to responsibly reopen," said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who represents the northeastern waterfront. "How we act this weekend will have a direct impact on our recovery so it is critical that residents and visitors abide by all Health Orders, including wearing facial coverings."

"The City and County of San Francisco annually welcomes families from areas near and far for our waterfront celebration and fireworks show," said City Administrator Naomi M. Kelly. "This year we are canceling the celebration and fireworks show to keep our communities safe. We encourage families and individuals to stay home and celebrate with members of their immediate households."

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Over the weekend, residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 only for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Calling 9-1-1 for fireworks calls may delay calls for service, and residents are encouraged to use 3-1-1 instead.

"We want to make sure our officers can respond quickly and effectively to protect public safety in San Francisco," said Police Chief William Scott. "Please reserve 9-1-1 for emergencies, such as crimes in progress or emergency medical needs. Calls about noise and noncriminal activity will only delay priority police, fire and medical response, so please use 3-1-1."

Residents and visitors should call 3-1-1, rather than 9-1-1, for the following calls: