How Texans celebrated July 4 during the coronavirus pandemic

If Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of summer in Texas, July 4 confirms that it’s here for the long haul. For many Texans, both holidays consist of going outdoors: going to the beaches, going to parks, barbecues, swimming, and on Independence Day, enjoying a fireworks show, and maybe walking away a few.

But this Fourth of July was like no other. COVID-19 is emerging across the state, and not just in cities. Memorial Day weekend is widely seen as a turning point, as people flocked to bars and other recently reopened businesses after the state seemed to escape the worst of the pandemic’s first few weeks.

Just over a month later, Texas is establishing new registries for new cases and hospitalizations almost every day as hospitals across the state report that they are depleting or exceeding capacity.

Four Texas Tribune photographers stepped out this July 4 to see how Texans are adjusting to news of rising cases and the return of some restrictions, including a quasi-state mask requirement, as the state struggles to balance health. of its citizens and a shaky economy. Here is a look at what they found.

First: Rebecca Whittaker-Enzinger attends the July 4 annual reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Nueces County Court in Corpus Christi. Lastly: Jon West takes a photo of his 5-year-old daughter Emma while reading the Declaration of Independence.

Eddie Seal for The Texas Tribune

First: East Austin residents gathered on July 4 to chat, sing, and dance. They have organized socially estranged events for more than 100 days. Lastly: patriotic buntings in a closed courtyard in the Lost Creek neighborhood of West Austin.

Eddie Gaspar / The Texas Tribune | Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune

First: People interact with a miniature horse in a decorated house that is part of the Allandale neighborhood event on July 4 in Austin. Last: Visitors tour the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi. The aquarium reduced its occupancy on Friday to no more than 25%, and visitors must wear masks.

Allie Goulding / The Texas Tribune | Eddie Seal for The Texas Tribune

First: People practice social distancing while waiting in line to buy fireworks at a booth in Buda. Lastly: People attend a fireworks show at Doc’s Drive In Theater in Buda to celebrate July 4th.

Eddie Gaspar / The Texas Tribune

First: Two male kayaks on Lady Bird Lake in Austin. Last: People go tube in New Braunfels.

Allie Goulding / The Texas Tribune | Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune