Governor Andrew Cuomo says New York will adopt the new CDC guidelines on masks on May 19. People fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer have to wear masks outdoors or indoors, and won’t have to socially distance. Cuomo says those who have received all of their required vaccine doses two or more weeks ago will no longer have to wear masks outside, or inside stores, gyms and offices.
“If you are vaccinated, you are safe,” Cuomo said. “No masks, no social distancing.”
The fully vaccinated can also travel without having to quarantine or take a COVID test, but the tests might still be required for international flights returning to the U.S.
People who are unvaccinated or have not yet received all of their doses still have to wear masks and maintain six feet of distance from others. Masks will still be required on public transportation, including subways and airplanes, as well as in nursing homes, hospitals and doctors’ offices, and schools. Masks will also continue to be mandatory for homeless shelters and prisons.
Cuomo previously announced that many other pandemic-era rules will also end Wednesday, including curfews for bars and restaurants, and many capacity limits for outdoor and indoor events.
The governor also says the New York City Marathon will take place on November 7, at 60% capacity with up to 33,000 runners. Registration opens June 8.
County fairs will be allowed to take place, as long as they can maintain six feet of social distancing.
Cuomo made the announcements Monday at Radio City Music Hall, where he said the closing ceremonies of the Tribeca Film Festival will be held on June 19.
But only the fully vaccinated will be allowed to attend.
James Dolan, who manages the music hall as well as Madison Square Garden, says a planned concert series this summer will require that ticketholders be vaccinated. Dolan, who also owns the New York Knicks basketball team, says the unvaccinated will be allowed at the sporting events, but he will give the vaccinated better access.
“We are still going to make room for people who are unvaccinated,” Dolan said. “But honestly, we’re going to favor the vaccinated.”
Dolan says he has not yet figured out how to prove that attendees are fully vaccinated. Cuomo says ticketholders might be asked to produce their proof of vaccination card, or the state’s phone app that confirms vaccination.
Cuomo says part of the intent of the CDC rules changes is to provide more incentives to become vaccinated.
“There are benefits to being vaccinated,” Cuomo said.
52% of New Yorkers are fully vaccinated, but the rate of vaccinations has slowed. Health experts say 70% is needed to achieve herd immunity from the virus.
The Democrat says he realizes that new rules represent a “radical change” from what scientists and government leaders have been telling the public for the past 15 months. He says it’s still OK to continue to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable doing so.
