New York City has become the last and largest city in the United States to announce that it is dropping most of its COVID-19 restrictions as the rise of Omicron continues to decline. From Monday, companies will no longer have to apply for vaccination cards and masks will no longer be compulsory in public schools for children from the age of 5.
“We need to get our economy back on track,” Mayor Eric Adams said Friday.
The city, formerly considered the epicenter of the pandemic, now has a positivity rate of just 1.6% over a 7-day average.
In neighboring New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy announced he would lift the statewide public health emergency, which includes a mask warrant for schools and daycares.
Meanwhile, across the country, cases in Los Angeles are so low that officials on Friday lifted the city’s inner mask requirement.
Back at the Big Apple, although restrictions have been lifted, New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi still called for caution. “While this wave of COVID-19 is receding, we cannot say that the pandemic is coming to an end,” he said.
In western Manhattan, Mamasita Bar and Grill owner said he will continue to demand a vaccination test.
“Protection comes first, whatever happens,” Prakash Hundalani told CBS News.
When it comes to masks, New York City businesses, including restaurants, can set their own policies.
Across the country, the federal government still requires masks to be worn on airplanes, trains, and other public transportation.
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