Memorial Day in the COVID pandemic

Memorial Day in the COVID pandemic

Now at 11.

Many people often spend memorial day at a cookout or party, but this year has been a little different.

While still in the coronavirus pandemic, some places just haven't seem very crowded.

We went out to see how the pandemic might be impacting the holiday... in our top local story.

Coolidge park monday afternoon is not packed.

Park-goer isaiah robinson: "yeah, not a lot of people."

Parking lots are not full.

The splash pad and carousal are closed.

And, things just don't seem completely normal.

Isaiah robinson: "there's significantly less people, you know, which understandably so."

Chattanooga residents lindsay jackson and isaiah robinson were taking a stroll in the park and noticed the difference.

People trying to enjoy an extended weekend while in a pandemic.

Park-goer lindsay jackson: "to just get out in the public for the first time and remember to keep your distance and wonder why you run into these awkward scenarios and then your memory jogs and you're like, oh yeah."

While seeming slow, there were still people out at the park being active and spending time with friends and family.

Park-goer autumn scott: "walking the bridge, playing with family."

Park-goer isiah davis: "we're going to play kickball."

A short walk over to the stores at north shore, people are walking through.

I spoke with folks at multiple shops and got a variety of feedback.

Some say foot traffic is a little lighter than last year.

A clothing shop reports busier than usual.

At one store, employees were thanked for being open.

And another has not fully reopened in an effort to stay safe.

Things are different on this start to summer, but it's also what you might expect given the situation.

Covid-19 has changed the way we celebrate holidays,