Catherine Luzzi ’26
Over the last year, the coronavirus has changed the way we go about normal life. In 2020, summer was spent at home, with little to no activities available. However, this year the summer is going to be more normal than the last. One of the reasons is that you may not have to wear masks or social distance. Another reason is that many pools, camps, concerts, and other gatherings are able to be open and have guests. Many things are going to be different this summer.
If you are one of the 131 million Americans who are fully vaccinated, the CDC says that you do not need to wear your masks or social distance. Some businesses and other environments are still requiring masks but many states are lifting their mandates. As of May 28th, 2021, the state of New Jersey will be lifting the majority of its mask mandate. Masks are not required in restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, and other places. But they will still be required on all public transportation, schools, child care centers, summer camps, and in any government operated site. There are still restrictions regarding masks but this is a giant leap on the road back to normalcy.
When kids think of summer, they reminisce on their times at summer camps. Last year, most summer camps weren’t allowed to be open. This year though, summer camp can happen. In the state of New Jersey, day and sleepaway camps are allowed to reopen and welcome back kids, if they follow some requirements. In order to reopen, all staff and campers must have a health screening, everything must be cleaned and sanitized, and masks must be worn if the camp is indoors. Unvaccinated campers and staff who are going to an overnight camp must receive a negative covid test within three days of their arrival. With this news, it means that kids who have been learning virtually can see camp friends for the first time in a while. So far, it looks like the summer of 2021 will be the most “normal” few months we’ve had in the last year.