SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP) - A Fourth of July celebration in North Carolina has been canceled over concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak, officials announced Tuesday.
The city of Southport announced on its Facebook page that it decided to cancel the 225th N.C. 4th of July Festival on the advice of Mayor Joseph P. Hatem, who is also a doctor who specializes in internal medicine.
“It is my recommendation during this COVID-19 Pandemic, that the Fourth of July Festival in 2020 … be cancelled to assist in stopping the spread of this contagious disease,” Hatem said in the posted statement.
The city also announced that it is canceling all pubic events through Labor Day.
“This was a difficult decision, but the most prudent one and will overall prevent disease and save lives,” Hatem said in a statement.
Officials said the Fourth of July celebration would return in 2021.
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