“We know this is a special event for the Department of the Interior. We inform you that we do not believe this is in accordance with the best guidance of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the DC Department of Health, but this event will take place entirely on federal property, “Mayor Muriel Bowser told reporters during a press conference.
Early Wednesday, the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service announced additional details about the President’s Independence Day celebration on the National Mall, including a 35-minute fireworks display and an overpass from the military branches. . The event will be broadcast live.
Bowser has repeatedly encouraged Washington residents to celebrate July 4 at home this year to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. The mayor has already scrapped the Independence Day parade in the nation’s capital.
“In addition to music, military demonstrations, and flyovers to honor service members and veterans of our nation, the President will deliver remarks that celebrate our independence and salute our incredible heritage,” the White House said in a statement.
The Interior Department also encouraged those who plan to watch the fireworks to practice social distancing, wear a face mask, avoid shaking hands, wash their hands frequently, and avoid attending if they have symptoms.
The department said it will provide more than 300,000 fabric face liners to attendees and that more than 100 handwashing stations will be located around the National Mall, although it is unclear how or if social distancing will be applied.
CNN’s Caroline Kelly, Ross Levitt and Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.
.
