New York Escapes Direct Hit From Tropical Storm Henri - NBC News

[Rhiannon12866]

10. That's it exactly. Everything remained closed last year and yearly gatherings were canceled.

This year, not only is everything open with vengeance - amusement parks, ice cream and souvenir venues, restaurants (and bars!). And the mask mandate, which was strictly enforced, was rescinded except for the unvaccinated - but the signs now say it's "the honor system," so you can imagine how that's going. The amusement park has new highly advertised rides and the nearby iconic ice cream venue (which tried opening last year, but closed down early because of a Covid breakout among employees) is not just open with extended hours, but when I've driven by, the crowds are packed in front of the numerous windows all the way out to the street - with no masks since they're getting ice cream!