The U.S. celebrates July 4 as a nation that emerges from the devastating Covid pandemic

July 6, 2021: Americans celebrate the Fourth of July post the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of most events last year, which raised hopes that life is on the road to a semblance of normalcy as the Covid-19 cases and deaths near record lows.

The White House encouraged people to come together and watch fireworks displays to mark “independence” from the virus of the country. Businesses and restaurants are reopening across the country as restrictions are being relaxed, and air travel briefly surpassed 2019 levels at the start of the holiday weekend.

President Joe Biden is hosting an Independence Day party on Sunday with 1,000 essential workers and military families on the South Lawn of the White House, marking the first large-scale event held by the president. He delivered remarks on the progress the U.S. has made against the virus.

“This year, the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration for we are emerging from the darkness of a year of pandemic and isolation, a year of pain, fear and heartbreaking loss,” Biden said during remarks given on the White House South Lawn.

“Just think back to where this nation was a year ago, think back to where you were a year ago, and think about how far we have come,” Biden said. “From silent streets to crowded paraded routes lined with people waving American flags.”

“From empty stadiums and arenas to fans back to their seats cheering together again. From families pressing hands against a window to grandparents hugging their grandchildren once again. We’re back traveling again, and we back see each other once again,” Biden said.

Though the country has made significant progress against the pandemic due to the vaccination rollout, the Fourth of July weekend also comes as U.S. health officials monitor the spread of the Covid delta variant, which will be more transmissible than other strains earlier in the pandemic.