The nation is taking major steps in the path toward normalcy as the 7-day average COVID-19 death rate remains at its lowest point this year.

It comes as the White House announced Friday that 100 million Americans are now fully vaccinated.

“We’ve seen what America is capable of when we come together and all of us do our part,” says White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on April 29 that the city that was once the pandemic's epicenter is expected to fully reopen businesses by July 1. 

“The people are getting vaccinated and fighting back COVID, and it's working,” said de Blasio. “They're ready for a comeback.”

The travel industry is also gearing up for the summer, with airlines like Delta no longer requiring the middle seat to be empty as of May 1.

Park gates are also reopening for the first time in more than a year - although capacity is capped in many places.

The world-famous Kentucky Derby will welcome thousands of masked spectators on Saturday.

Mayor of Louisville Greg Fischer believes “People are really pumped up about getting a little bit back to normal.”

In terms of sports, the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta United will be among the first teams to return to full capacity. 

With a lot of exciting things happening, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky wants to remind people that this virus is a tricky one.

"The more people that are vaccinated, the fewer cases that we have,” says Walensky.