Independence Day was (mostly) free from pandemic restrictions in the NW

Washingtonians got to enjoy some new freedoms over the Fourth of July holiday.

It was the first weekend in more than 15 months that folks were able to get out and about with few Covid-19 restrictions.

Here's what some revelers had to say about the obvious joy — perhaps, independence — people in Seattle felt:

• "I am excited just to be around people.”
• “People all next to each other like having fun, no masks on.”
• “No masks!”
• “That was, I mean it was really fun, but it was like, 'OK, I guess we’re back, right?'”

• “Yeah, pre-2020.”
• “Way busier.”
• “Busier for sure, actually people seem a little crazier.”
• “Definitely feels like there’s more of an energy here than before. Looking more ahead now.”

Matt Williamson, Lauren Beuris, Mike Rudy, Lauren Potter and Ebony Thompson spoke to KUOW's Gracie Todd over the holiday weekend.

Despite Washington state fully reopening on June 30, there are still some pandemic restrictions. Unvaccinated people still need to wear masks in indoor public spaces, and we all still need to mask up in schools, healthcare settings and on public transit.

Restrictions are also still in place for some large indoor events with thousands of attendees.

Gracie Todd is a Roy Howard Investigative Fellow at KUOW.