MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota -- The COVID-19 pandemic is making itself felt on another summer travel holiday.
"It's kind of tough--that's why Triple A isn't doing a (holiday travel forecast) release for Memorial Day or Independence Day. Our normal indicators are effected, and the virus obviously has a lot to do with that." says Minnesota-Iowa AAA spokesperson Mark Peterson.
He says they're estimating 97 percent of those traveling over the long Independence Day weekend will drive to their destinations. Peterson says they'll hit the road as gas prices have been steadily increasing over the past few weeks.
"The national average for regular unleaded is $2.17 a gallon, Iowa's at $2.09. Gas is telling us something--it's been on a gradual incline. It's still $.50 a gallon cheaper than it was a year ago." he says.
Peterson also says AAA's website is offering a state-by-state breakdown on what's open and what's not for those traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.