More US states ease rules as vax rates rise

Infections fall just in time for Memorial Day weekend

Providence, May 30: Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, more US cities and states are shrugging off lingering Covid-19 restrictions as vaccination rates rise and the number of infections falls.

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 cool temperatures kept crowds away.

“Welcome back, Chicago,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a video announcement. The lakefront is open.” Chicago’s Navy Pier also reopened retail stores and restaurants, carnival rides, and tour boats and cruises after the pandemic forced monthslong closures at the busy tourist destination.

It’s one more sign of progress that reflects increasingly positive health data. On Saturday, Illinois’ Department of Public Health reported 802 new confirmed and probable infections, the second-lowest one-day total in the last six months.

For businesses nationwide, the improving outlook and long holiday weekend offered a chance to welcome customers back to in-person shopping. Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, opened its doors to customers for the first time in nearly 14 months Friday. Masks are still required.

The business had switched to internet orders, sidewalk sales and virtual author events to survive the pandemic.

We had to get creative, we had to pivot, store manager Alex Brubaker said.

— AP People on Boscombe beach, as the holiday weekend is expected to bring blue skies and widespread sunshine, in Boscombe, England, on Sunday. The holiday weekend and relaxation of Coronavirus restrictions has enabled many to visit the beach, as warm weather spreads across the region.