CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a previous story.
With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, the Cleveland Clinic is offering tips for partaking in safe celebrations amid growing concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) Delta variant.
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In a blog post e-mailed to subscribers on Tuesday, the Cleveland Clinic explained that the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) is easily transferred from person to person and that it is currently associated with the most severe cases of COVID-19, showing a higher risk for hospitalization among those who have contracted with. With just over 46 percent of United States citizens vaccinated for COVID-19, the Clinic is offering the following seven pieces of advice for those celebrating the Fourth of July holiday this coming weekend:
- If traveling, check to see if there are COVID-19 restrictions at the location you will be.
- Make sure you are at least two weeks past your second COVID-19 vaccine dose.
- Encourage any family members and friends who haven't been vaccinated for COVID-19 to do so.
- Be outside when possible during visits.
- Wash hands with soap and water or frequently use hand sanitizer.
- Offer single-serve bags of snacks instead of chip bowls.
- In case someone at your party is immunocompromised or hasn’t been fully vaccinated, bring a facemask with you.
Last week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine expressed concern about the growing prominence of the Delta variant.
"We have counties in Ohio that are very under-vaccinated," Gov. DeWine said. "So yes, I am concerned about those counties in the state of Ohio that have a very low vaccination rate."
"We have the solution," he continued. "It's here. It's called the vaccine. So we continue to urge people, particularly people in underserved areas, you know, that is the most dangerous area."