In time for Memorial weekend, more US cities and states are easing lingering COVID-19 restrictions as vaccination rates rise and infections fall.
Massachusetts lifted a mask requirement Saturday, a day after New Jersey dropped its mandate. In New York City and Chicago, officials reopened public beaches, though winds and cooler temperatures kept crowds away.
“Welcome back, Chicago,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a video announcement. “The lakefront is open.”
Chicago’s pier also reopened retail stores and restaurants, tour boats and cruises, and carnival rides after monthslong closures.
The sign of progress comes as increasingly positive health data shows lower rates of infection and higher vaccination rates. On Saturday, Illinois reported the second-lowest one-day total in infecctions in the olast six months.
The improving outlook and long holiday weekend offered a chance to welcome customers back to in-person shopping for businesses nationwide.
Minnesota lifted all statewide coronavirus restrictions for bars and restaurants Friday, though local governments can maintain their own social distancing and mask rules.
Almost 50% of the US population has now received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Almost 40% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Vermont boasts the highest vaccination rate in the nation, with almost 70% of its residents having received at least one dose. The governor is expected to drop all pandemic-related restrictions once 80% of Vermont’s eligible population receives at least one dose a milestone the state expects to hit within a week.
Governor Charlie Baker in Massachussetts lifted a mask mandate effective Saturday, though face coverings are stioll required on public transportation and in certain places. Unvaccinated people are still encouraged to wear masks.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park before the Red Sox played the Miami Marlins on the first day that Massachusetts dropped limits on crowd sizes. Red Sox president Sam Kennedy said about 24,000 tickets were sold.
78% of all adult residents have had at least one vaccine dose, according to Massachusetts officials.
“New cases have dropped by 94% since they peaked in January,” Baker said Friday as he announced the end of the restrictions. “Hospitalizations are down by about 90% since their peak. This progress has made it possible for us to lift all remaining COVID restrictions across the commonwealth.”
