4TH OF JULY TRAVEL SURGES, AIRPORTS & HIGHWAYS PACKED
The annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks in New York City were spread out over several days in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
By Rachel Trent, CNN
This Independence Day, many Americans are celebrating much more than the 13 colonies’ split from Great Britain. This Fourth of July also marks something of a return to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic forced most plans to be canceled, or at least adjusted, a year ago.
While the pandemic is not over, the United States is in a better spot to celebrate compared to last July 4 now that more than half the country’s adult population is fully vaccinated against the virus.
This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Sunday, so it’s also being observed by the federal government and some businesses on Monday, July 5.
Here’s what that means for where you can go this long weekend.
Grocery stores
Most major grocery stores and retailers are open Sunday and Monday.
One exception is Costco, which is closed July 4. Trader Joe’s is open but closes at 5 p.m. Both chains will be open on Monday.
Your pharmacy may also be closed Sunday. Publix is one chain closing its pharmacies that day. So it’s best to call ahead to be safe, especially since some hours may vary by location.
Banks
Banks are always closed on Sundays, so July 4 is no exception. But many, such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America, will treat Monday as a holiday, so your bank will likely be closed on that day too. If you need cash, ATMs are always an option.
The stock market also observes July 5 as a holiday, so investors will have to hold off trading one more day this weekend.
Postal Service
The same goes for the US Postal Service. It’s typically closed on Sundays, but will also observe July 5 as a holiday this year.
Other government-owned offices
That’s generally the case for any government-owned facilities, such as the DMV and public libraries. So you’ll have to save those trips for when they reopen Tuesday.
UPS & FedEx
If you’re banking on UPS or FedEx to help you out when USPS can’t, those might be able to help you out Monday.
UPS and FedEx locations are closed on July 4 and they won’t be making deliveries, but offices are open the next day. Locations may have modified hours though. So, like most of these places, it’s safest to call ahead.
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