New York Adopts CDC Guidance Today

As of today, May 19, New York has adopted the CDC’s recent COVID-19 guidance on mask use and social distancing for fully vaccinated individuals.

The CDC has now stated that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Pre-K to 12 schools, public transport, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and healthcare settings will continue to follow New York’s existing COVID-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are vaccinated. And, the Department of Health (DOH) strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Businesses will be limited by the space available for patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet, unless patrons within the establishment present proof of full vaccination status. The Governor has also given new mask and social distancing instructions for small- and large-scale events. Click here for more information.

Additionally, most industry capacity restrictions are being lifted completely in New York City today. See below for important changes in reopening:

• NYC subway -- resumed 24-hour service on Monday, May 17
• Restaurants and bars -- curfew for outdoor dining lifted Monday, May 17, curfew for indoor dining lifts Monday, May 31
• Social gatherings -- outdoor limit increased to 500 on Monday, May 10, indoor limit increases to 250 on Wednesday, May 19
• Residential gatherings -- outdoor limit removed and indoor limit increases to 50 on Wednesday, May 19
• Large-scale venues -- indoor capacity increases to 30% and outdoor venues will only be limited by the space available for patrons to maintain the required social distance of six feet, starting Wednesday, May 19

Visit ny.gov and nyc.gov for the latest updates on COVID-19 guidance.