| There's good news and bad news. Your annual backyard cookout to celebrate U.S. independence can stay largely intact for the Fourth of July, with a few tweaks for safety as coronavirus continues to swirl. The event has to be outside, so be ready to cancel or toss up a tent if the weather turns glum. And you can't move it into the garage, a common move in the Midwest that baffles residents from the coasts, because even the limited enclosure cuts down on air movement and could increase risk. So no need to freshen up the area where you cars typically reside. Some things you already know: masks are a must, as is keeping six feet apart. For simplicity, that means you shouldn't be able to touch anyone when both parties are stretching out their arms. And mind the gap. In this case, there should be an extra six inches to a foot between your fingers and the next person's fingers. Public health officials are sharing other tips that could help cut down on transmission. If you're going to a party or a gathering, bring your own bug spray and sunscreen, said Joshua Barocas, an infectious disease physician at Boston Medical Center during a briefing by the Infectious Disease Society of America. More importantly, bring your own food and drinks and don't share with others, he said. "This is something we often forget," he said. "Anything that you can do to limit your physical interaction with others will reduce the spread, even in places where there are low rates." Some areas aren't taking any chances. Los Angeles county ordered all beaches, piers, bike paths and access points closed from July 3 to the June 6 to prevent crowds as the area continues to post dramatic increases in the number of Covid cases, with nearly 3,000 on June 29 alone. It also prohibited fireworks displays. "Closing the beaches and prohibiting fireworks displays during this important summer holiday weekend was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but it's the responsible decision to protect public health and protect our residents from a deadly virus," said Barbara Ferrer, the director of the public health. "We all need to take this virus more seriously." So, the family backyard it is.--Michelle Fay Cortez | 
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