New York will finally adopt new federal indoor mask guidelines that say those vaccinated against COVID-19 can ditch face coverings, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday — after refusing to green-light them last week.
Vaccinated New Yorkers will be clear to go mask-free in most indoor settings beginning Wednesday, Cuomo announced at a press conference.
“We have to reopen smart. We have to reopen with a cautious eye, but we have to get back to life,” he said. “Effective this Wednesday, we’re going to adopt the CDC’s new guidance and regulations on masks and social distancing for vaccinated people.”
The new rule won’t apply on public transportation or at schools or nursing homes, where people will still be required to mask up, he said.
Face covers will also be required at homeless shelters and jails. And private businesses can still set their own restrictions, he said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the go-ahead Thursday for fully vaccinated Americans to go mask-free inside under most circumstances
But Cuomo and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio initially balked at approving the guidelines, saying they would “review” them.
The delay sparked confusion among New Yorkers, who weren’t clear on what advice to follow inside businesses, including gyms and restaurants.
Over the weekend, six county executives from around the state demanded Cuomo adopt the guidance.
By Monday, he was singing a very different tune.
“The whole point of the CDC’s change, the whole point of our change is to say to people: There are benefits to being vaccinated,” he said.
“For our part, we’re adopting the CDC and we’re saying, let’s open. This comes at a good time for New York, because we had already said we were going to do our major reopening this Wednesday.”
Earlier in the day, de Blasio also changed his stance, calling the new rules “balanced.”
“I like the guidance. I think it makes sense. It focuses on folks who are vaccinated and are going to have more freedom. That’s a tremendously positive helpful message,” he said at his own press briefing. “I think it’s balanced.”
He added, “Now we’re going to watch carefully … We’re going to watch the data. If we think something needs to be adjusted, we’ll say it.”
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