CDC, New York State and New York City Loosen COVID-19 Guidelines

Over the past few days, the CDC, New York State and New York City have made announcements on loosening guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As case numbers have dropped locally and across the nation, restrictions are lifting, and you may find yourself having to decide your own behavior in the pandemic. To help, below are recent announcements from the CDC, New York State and New York City on COVID-19 guidelines.

CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that most Americans can safely take a break from wearing masks, outlining a new set of measures for communities where COVID-19 is easing its grip. The CDC's new COVID-19 measuring system focuses less on positive test rates and more on hospitalization rates, and places more than 70% of the U.S. population in counties where COVID-19 is posing a low or medium threat. People in those areas can stop wearing masks. The CDC is still advising that people, including schoolchildren, wear masks where the risk of COVID-19 is high. Additionally, these new recommendations do not change the requirement to wear masks on public transportation and indoors in airports, train stations and bus stations. These new guidelines are not binding, meaning cities and institutions may set their own rules. Click here to find your COVID-19 Community Level to help you take the correct prevention steps.

New York State

Governor Hochul recently removed the indoor mask mandate for businesses in New York State, and over the weekend she announced plans to end the mask requirement in schools starting on Wednesday, March 2. School mask policies will now be decided by local officials. Click here to learn more.

New York City

Over the weekend, Mayor Adams announced that New York City is preparing to eliminate school mask mandates and the Key to NYC vaccine requirements for restaurants, fitness centers and entertainment establishments by Monday, March 7 if reports of new COVID cases in the city remain low. The final decision will be made on Friday, March 4. Learn more here. The City's workplace vaccine requirement remains in effect until further notice. There has also been no change to mask mandates in public transit, and no change to mask & vaccination mandates in healthcare and other congregate settings. 

COVID-19 guidelines are subject to change. For the most recent information, visit the NYC COVID-19 portal and the New York State COVID-19 website.

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