Advertisement Washington: Over recent weeks, Americans have been revelling in what many here are calling their “post-vax summer”. Bars and nightclubs are packed again; Bruce Springsteen is back playing to packed crowds on Broadway. Americans are embracing opportunities to get out-and-about, as shown by the fact there’s a national shortage of rental cars. It’s increasingly rare to see anyone wearing a face mask, except on a plane or public transport. Bruce Springsteen has returned to the Broadway stage, signifying a return to pre-pandemic normality in the United States. Credit:Invision Coronavirus cases, hospitalisations and death rates have been falling steadily since April, a testament to the effectiveness of the free and widely-available COVID-19 vaccines.