New York letting broad mask mandate expire, but not in schools
LA Times“Given the declining cases, given the declining hospitalizations, that is why we feel comfortable to lift this, in effect tomorrow,” Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that the state will end a COVID-19 mandate requiring face coverings in most indoor public settings, but will keep masking rules in schools for now. The Barclays Center, where the Brooklyn Nets play, said masks are only “strongly recommended.” Fabien Levy, a spokesperson for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, said the city encourages New Yorkers to keep wearing “high-quality masks when indoors or in crowded spaces.” State Health Commissioner Mary Bassett wore her mask during the news conference. Hochul’s thoughtful and prudent approach is the right one,” said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, the union representing teachers in New York City. New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta called for “clear metrics” that lay out when the mask mandate can be relaxed.