5.17.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Cuomo Lifts Mask Mandate for Vaccinated New Yorkers
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May 17, 2021
Starting this Wednesday, May 19, 2021, fully vaccinated New Yorkers no longer need to wear a mask or face covering outdoors and in most indoor settings.Â
NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo made the announcement today which aligns New York’s policy with that of the CDC following the release last week of its relaxed mask guidelines for those fully vaccinated. New Yorkers have been required to wear masks since April of 2020. Â
The Governor’s directive gives private businesses the ability to implement additional requirements on top of the NYS or CDC rules. In addition, New Yorkers will still be required to wear masks or face coverings while riding public transportation as well as in nursing homes, schools, health facilities, and correctional facilities. Â
Unvaccinated New Yorkers will be required to continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing under the state’s new policy. Cuomo said he hopes the new policy will encourage more New Yorkers to be vaccinated.Â
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