MAINE, USA — People are already heading north to enjoy the last long weekend of the summer, and experts say it's going to be a busy one.
"We are expecting travel to really kinda go towards pre-pandemic levels," Dan Goodman with AAA of Northern New England said.
This holiday weekend comes as coronavirus cases rise across Maine and the country. The U.S. Center for Disease Control is asking anyone who is not vaccinated to sit this weekend out and not travel. Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah says if you're coming to Maine, or already here, be smart.
"Take precautions this weekend. If you haven't been vaccinated be smart stay indoors, wear a mask, try to limit your exposure to others," Shah said in Thursday's media briefing.
According to the Maine Turnpike Authority, we've had record-breaking Memorial Day and 4th of July traffic here in Maine, and with so many tourism activities being outside, there hasn't been any direct correlation to tourism and an uptick in cases.
"We have now had again, two seasons of summer activities that have not directly or positively been linked to positive cases," Shah added.
While making plans, the CDC says to look into the rules to the place you're going to, wear a mask when indoors and if you're not vaccinated get tested before, and AAA says be prepared for traffic.
"Something we like to say is pack your patience the roads are going to be really busy," Goodman said.