In May 2021, the world was still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries were rolling out vaccination programs to combat the virus, with a focus on increasing the number of vaccinated individuals to achieve herd immunity. Various vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, were being administered widely, leading to discussions about vaccine distribution and equity. In the United States, Memorial Day was observed on May 31, marking the unofficial start of summer. This holiday honors military personnel who died in service, and many Americans participated in outdoor activities and gatherings as restrictions began to ease in some areas.