Things seem to be returning to a version of normal in Reno in the past few weeks – something none of us have experienced in over a year – which comes after an increasing number of vaccinations and the new guidelines released by the CDC on May 14th. Although it seems like Renoites have been out and about for months now, taking advantage of many outdoor activities as well as frequenting many businesses operating under social distancing guidelines and mask requirements, within the last few weeks it is very clear that everyone is ready pick up where they left off in March of 2020.
Exactly two weeks after the new CDC guideline announcement, at the popular local beer garden, The Eddy, I was greeted by a large crowd of mostly unmasked patrons, something none of us have been able to enjoy for nearly 14 months now. Welcomed by smiling faces, friends and strangers alike were able to interact in a refreshingly different way than we have been for quite some time, cultivating a truly freeing and happy environment.
For the first time in what seemed like forever, unmasked patrons were allowed to mingle amongst friends and strangers. Everyone could interact with each other and share smiles, seemingly unconcerned about getting too close to one another or striking up conversation without face coverings.
The long winter of the pandemic might be coming to an end, at least locally for now.
For many people, including myself, getting vaccinated was a number one priority following the announcement made by the CDC on May 14th, not only to enjoy private businesses mask free, but also to not have to don the mask while working. Whether related or not, Washoe County has continued to see a rise in vaccinations since the recent CDC announcement, which is a great sign for us in the Biggest Little City, seeing as most of us are clearly eager to continue enjoying this essentially newfound freedom.
Whether it's fully vaccinated people that feel safer around others or people who no longer see the coronavirus pandemic as something to be fearful of due to the rising vaccination rate, one thing is for sure and that is that we as a community are all ready to get back to doing things we enjoy and be around others in the process.
Some say that this change in people actually getting out of the house and wanting to be in public areas that are crowded with strangers was largely due to the June 1st reopening of the state to 100% capacity, but others argue that it was just good timing. The main shift in attitude seen by most came after the new CDC guideline announcement that stated fully vaccinated individuals were safe to remove their masks in all outdoor and most indoor settings.
Regardless of their individual reasonings, it has been a welcome change to see people’s full faces around town, inside restaurants, at local bars, walking downtown and on the Riverwalk or shopping at the grocery store. Along with the feeling of finally being free to uncover our faces without fear or scrutiny, it seems that more people in general are ready to get out and do things, and simple activities like going to The Eddy on a Friday night, has people eager to interact with others. Although Washoe County may not be quite ready to have large gatherings – groups larger than 10 or events over 500 attendees without special planning – there are some Reno staples that are back for 2021. Aces ball games are in full swing, the Reno Rodeo is set to start next week, and the Riverfest will be taking place this weekend.