US Surgeon General Ahead of Fourth of July: Wearing a Mask Will Give People ‘More Independence’

U.S. surgeon general Dr. Jerome Adams is encouraging people to wear a mask if they go out this weekend as Americans celebrate 🇺🇸Independence Day.

Amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic and recent spikes in cases in several states, many Americans are expecting to see a different Fourth of July as they may stay at home or hold virtual gatherings.

This weekend marks the country’s 244th year of independence.

When asked if he would “advise someone to go to a large gathering, yes or no” during Friday’s “Today” show interview, Adams said, “It’s not a yes or no.”

“Every single person has to make up their own mind,” he continued. “There are going to be people going to beaches, going to barbecues, going to different environments and they have to look at their individual risk.”

The U.S. surgeon general went on to note the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation that “larger gatherings are a higher risk.”

“You have to take that into account again with whether or not you’re at risk, whether you live with someone who is vulnerable,” Adams said. He continued:

“And then you have to take measures to stay safe and the most important thing I would say to people is if you do go out to a gathering or in public, please wear a face covering.”