Schools in New York will no longer be required to wear masks
Key takeaways:
- According to Governor Kathy Hochul, students in New York will no longer be required to wear masks at school beginning later this week.
- Despite the state's overall decision, she pointed out that counties and cities with higher transmission rates could still impose a mask requirement.
New York state will no longer involve students wearing masks at school starting later this week, as per Governor Kathy Hochul.
The politician, 63, declared in a press conference Sunday that the statewide masking requirement in schools will end on March 2 due to a decrease in COVID-19 cases in the state and new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"The day has come, my friends, given the decline in our rates, our hospitalizations, strong vaccination rates, and the CDC guidance," Hochul said. "Today, we're going to announce that the statewide mask requirement in schools will be lifted."
Despite the state's overall ruling, she noted that counties and cities with higher transmission rates may still impose a mask mandate. According to Hochul, parents can even send their kids to school wearing masks.
Hochul also urged residents to treat those who wear masks with respect in her remarks. "As we go through this, we will not stand for any bullying, ostracization, or harassment of an individual, a business, or anyone who chooses to wear a mask," the governor said. "We'll keep distributing masks and test kits as long as they're needed. We'll keep our aggressive vaccination campaigns going."
In New York state, masks are still needed when using public transportation, such as subways and trains, and in-state healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, prisons, and shelters.
Following Hochul's press conference, Mayor Eric Adams of New York City stated that the city would evaluate COVID data and make its very own choice on students wearing masks in schools on Friday.
"If there are no unforeseen spikes and also our numbers continue to show a low level of risk," he said in a statement, "New York City will eliminate the indoor mask mandate for public school children, efficient next Monday, March 7."
Manhattan's "Key to NYC" mandate, which requires proof of vaccination at indoor locations such as restaurants, gyms, and entertainment venues, will be repealed on March 7 if "there are no surprises this week," according to Adams 61.
He explained, "This will give businesses time to adapt and allow us to ensure we are making the best public health choices for the people of New York."
The decision in New York State comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dropped its nationwide mask recommendation last week. Now, the organization is leaving it up to local governments to decide, recommending that only those with high COVID-19 transmission levels keep their mask mandates.
The CDC stated that because COVID-19 transmission levels are low in most countries, the mask mandate is no longer necessary in areas with low or medium case rates, which account for roughly 70% of the country.
"When our levels are less, we need to give people a break from things like mask-wearing so they can reach for them again," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said in a press conference Friday. "Should things worsen in the future, we, like the CDC, will continue to make public health recommendations and guidance based on science and epidemiology."
The new guidelines do not affect the federal necessity for masks on planes and in airports, which expires on March 18. According to Walensky, the requirement will be reevaluated closer to the deadline.
HOWEVER, the CDC's advice could change if a new variant emerges or case rates rise again.