Tri-State Seeing Signs Of Hope This Memorial Day Weekend After Trying Year
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- From the Jersey Shore to Coney Island, fully vaccinate people no longer need to pack a mask for the beach this Memorial Day Weekend.
As CBS2's John Dias reported, businesses are also hopeful after a devastating year.
"We have the virus on the run," Gov. Phil Murphy said in an interview Friday.
New Jersey no longer requires people to wear mask in most indoor settings and outside. The Garden State has also done away with the 6-feet social distancing rule.
"We just think this is the right moment. It's Memorial Day Weekend, we've got the Jersey Shore, which is an American gem," Murphy said.
The governor said there may be a day when the state mandates masks again, but easing the restrictions now will help businesses.
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Meanwhile in New York, many businesses along the Coney Island boardwalk are preparing for their busy season, after restrictions crushed them last summer.
"Last year was very slow because of COVID, and we're very excited this year," said Deborah Johnson, assistant manager at Nathan's Famous.
Johnson said due to the expected demand, she plans to bring back her full staff by the end of summer.
"Everybody wears a mask, and we still have our [clear plastic sheets] up," she said.
At New York City's eight public beaches, masks won't be needed on the sand or in the water, but social distancing is still required. The beaches reopen with lifeguards Saturday, with a goal of reaching full capacity by Fourth of July weekend.
"I'm so excited. I can't wait to come to the beach," Olga Nan, of Sheepshead Bay, said.
"Now, we're going to go swimming and getting our tan on," another woman added.
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Mobile vaccination sites will be set up at summer hot spots, including the beaches.
"I want everyone to get vaccinated, every person vaccinated. That's safer for me," said lifelong Brooklyn resident Stuart Weisberg.
Lifeguards will be on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and swimming is strictly prohibited at other times.
Memorial Day Weekend also means amusement parks will now be open seven days a week for the summer.
