Health leaders say the pandemic is not officially over, but Missourians are planning to take vacations in near-record numbers during the 4th of July weekend, declaring their freedom from COVID-19. Triple-A spokeswoman Meredith Mitts says the projected 40-percent jump in travel has been many months in the making.

 

 

Most Missourians will be taking road trips during the Independence Day holiday. The worst times to drive nationwide include Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.