May 17, 2021 By Christian Murray
Vaccinated New Yorkers will be able to go mask-free in most settings starting Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced at a press conference this morning.
Residents who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to ditch their masks starting Wednesday—in line with CDC guidance announced last week.
“If you are vaccinated, you are safe,” Cuomo said during a news conference this morning. “We have to get back to life and living, and we have to deal with the way New Yorkers do it. We have to do it quickly and robustly.”
The governor said that the public will still be required to wear masks on public transportation, nursing homes, homeless shelters and at schools.
Cuomo said that unvaccinated New Yorkers must continue to wear masks and practice social distancing, he said. He said that the new rule should motivate all New Yorkers to get vaccinated.
Businesses are able to set their own rules in terms of masks, Cuomo said. He said they are permitted to keep mask mandates if they believe it is necessary.
