Memorial Day weekend brings open pools, some pandemic issues

METRO ATLANTA — While in many places, life has started returning to normal as pandemic restrictions have started to lift. But not all events have been able to restart because COVID-19 is still an issue.

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Community pools in many Metro Atlanta locations opened Saturday and there were events scattered across the area. At least one popular event though was postponed.

Organizers of the Caribbean Carnival in the City of Stonecrest was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. City leaders say they are still battling to get infection rates under control.

Channel 2′s Audrey Washington spoke to Stonecrest’s acting City Manager Janice Allen-Jackson who explained why the decision was made.

“Our ZIP code had pretty significant incidences of COVID in comparison to other counties so out council has been pretty cautious in terms of large events,” Allen-Jackson said.

The popular event was last held in 2019 and usually draws crowds well into the thousands. Allen-Jackson said that was the biggest concern for city leaders and why it was better to just postpone the carnival.

“There is definitely a risk issue with so many people in close quarter that would pose some risks,” said Allen-Jackson. “Each city has to do what it’s comfortable with frankly.”

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Meanwhile, a staple of the summer season, pools started opening all around the area. Channel 2 Action News went to a busy City of Atlanta pool in Grant Park where according to Sam Joyner, who lives in the area, there was little to be concerned with.

“There’s a distance with everybody. families are with families,” Joyner said.

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The pool was one of many open for the first time since the pandemic began. Joyner could barely contain his happiness.

“I think it’s wonderful, everybody trying to have fun, enjoy themselves,” said Joyner.

After a year of sheltering in place due to the pandemic, Americans are traveling again Millions of Americans are taking to the skies and road for the first time in over a year and Hartsfield Jackson airport is busy

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