Pierce County Health Urges Residents To Stay Home This Labor Day

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — Labor Day weekend is coming up, and while during a normal year the three-day weekend is a perfect time to travel or catch up with friends, amid the pandemic it may not be the wisest idea.

Pierce County has made significant gains controlling the coronavirus pandemic over recent weeks, and health officials are hoping the public can keep up the good work. The Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department is asking everyone to consider having a low-key Labor Day weekend this year, instead of traveling, meeting up with people, and potentially spreading or becoming infected with the coronavirus.

That's a big ask, as the health department knows: it's going to be nice and sunny, hard to resist getting out and having some fun this weekend. That's why, if you are going to have a holiday gathering, health officials ask that you just keep it small. Right now gatherings are supposed to be limited to 10 people or fewer in Pierce County, and health officials say that's for a good reason. So, if you are meeting up with friends or family, they're urging you make the guest list extra-exclusive, or consider a virtual meet-up instead.

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As of Tuesday, Pierce County is reporting an average of 46.4 coronavirus cases a day. The goal is fewer than 16, which may seem far away, but officials say good behavior on holidays like this could be a key factor in getting the county where it needs to be.