OCEAN CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The mask mandate and other COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in New Jersey on Friday, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Many people will spend the unofficial start of summer at Shore towns, which are hoping for a chance to bounce back from last year.
A lot of people were out early on the Ocean City boardwalk to catch Friday's sunrise or go for a morning walk, run or bike ride.
"Oh boy, I am so happy to get back to the beach after being inside for so long," said Bunny Tjaden from Rockville, Maryland.
It was a picturesque start to the day, but wet weather is in the forecast. Tjaden said that was no bother to her.
"I know that the weather is gonna be a little rainy, but it doesn't matter. I'm still here. A lot of the [businesses] are open."
Shops and restaurants are open for what business owners hope will be the kickoff to a comeback summer on the Jersey Shore. The indoor mask mandate and distancing requirement are no longer in effect in New Jersey. Businesses, however, are able to require masks if they choose to.
"We've taken the middle road on this," explained Bob Alexander, director of human resources at the Ocean City Coffee Company. "If you have not been vaccinated, we would ask you to wear your mask. So, if you come into my shop and you're not wearing a mask, we're gonna have no choice but to believe that you've had that vaccination."
Alexander, however, said employees will still be masked as a precaution. Governor Phil Murphy has emphasized that vaccinated people can still wear their masks if it makes them feel comfortable and safer.
Restaurant restrictions in New Jersey were eased earlier in the month, so shore eateries are looking to benefit greatly from that. Last year, indoor dining was not allowed on Memorial Day and takeout and delivery were the only options. The impact of loosened or lifted restrictions and more people becoming vaccinated, has already had an impact.
"We've already seen large crowds coming down here," Alexander said. "Two weeks ago I had to look at my calendar because I thought it was July"
