With the unofficial start of summer weeks away, some Nassau officials want beaches to be fully open for Memorial Day weekend.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky and County Executive Laura Curran called on the state Health Department Wednesday to open beaches at 100% capacity by the holiday on May 31.

Officials say vaccinations are on the rise, COVID-19 cases are going down and opening the beaches to full capacity will help the economy.

Curran says 52% of Nassau residents now have their first dose of the vaccine - which is 70% of adults - and the risk of spreading COVID-19 outdoors is low.

Kaminsky says the decision needs to be made now so businesses and locals officials can plan for the crowds.

Right now, beaches are capped at 50%.

Curran says the Nassau Health Department will work with the state about safety guidelines for beaches.

Kaminsky says that we know from last year that COVID-19 rates drop during the summer, that the risk of spreading the virus at the beach is low and now we have the vaccine to help open up beaches safely.