COVID Restrictions Lifted in New York State

New York this week has lifted most of the COVID-19 mandates & restrictions put in place by the state in March of 2020, now that 70% of adults in the state have received at least one dose of the vaccine. People will still need to wear masks in hospitals and other health care facilities, while on public transportation, and (as recommended by the C-D-C) in schools. Some businesses may also require masks and social distancing for customers who aren’t fully vaccinated.

While the Governor said 70% is a great milestone, the state is still hoping to get more adults, teenagers, and children vaccinated in the coming weeks. More than 11 million of the state’s residents have been vaccinated with at least one shot and just shy of 10 million are now fully vaccinated.

Even though Cuomo said all COVID related restrictions are over, he still holds the emergency powers granted to him at the start of the pandemic by the state legislature. The Senate and Assembly did not vote to rescind the temporary powers before they adjourned the legislative session for the summer.