By Robert Pozarycki & Mark Hallum
Fully vaccinated New Yorkers will be able to do almost anything in New York State without wearing a mask as of Wednesday.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that the state will begin following, on May 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new guidance on mask-wearing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That change will coincide with the regional reopening of the New York City area that same day.
On May 13, the CDC recommended that individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can walk outside without masks, and go maskless in most indoor settings. The agency still advises wearing masks in confined areas such as planes, trains, buses, and in large public venues such as hospitals and doctor’s offices.
Under the revised mask order for New York Srate, Cuomo said that any unvaccinated or immunocompromised New Yorkers who haven’t received the vaccine will still be required to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran released a statement agreeing with Cuomo’s decision on Monday.
“There is no doubt that vaccines are paving the way back to normal life for our residents and business community,” she said. “The governor’s decision to adopt the CDC mask wearing guidance today reflects that truth as Nassau continues to put lifesaving shots into arms. As Nassau continues to lead the state for people receiving the vaccine, I trust our residents are able to make the right decisions for themselves and their families.”
Since the CDC announced its updated mask guidance, several stores such as Walmart, Target, and Trader Joe’s have dropped their mask wearing requirements for customers who are vaccinated.
This story first appeared on amNY.com.
-With Briana Bonfiglio
For more coronavirus coverage, visit longislandpress.com/coronavirus.
Sign up for Long Island Press’ email newsletters here. Sign up for home delivery of Long Island Press here. Sign up for discounts by becoming a Long Island Press community partner here.
