People wearing masks walk through Times Square in New York City. (Photo: AFP-Yonhap News)
New Yorkers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to ditch their masks, even indoors, starting Wednesday.
"Let's get back to life," Governor Andrew Cuomo said Monday as he made the announcement.
Face coverings, however, will still be required for everyone in certain settings such as schools and nursing homes.
The move follows new guidance on masks released last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC said it is safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in virtually all situations.
Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said it will give the public and businesses time to prepare.
California will not be lifting its mask requirement until June 15.
The timing reflects Governor Gavin Newsom's earlier announcement that if cases remain low, the state will drop nearly all restrictions on that date.
Please send comments to tbsefmnews@gmail.com / copyright © tbs. Unauthorized redistribution prohibited.
