NY State Lifts COVID Restrictions as Vaccination Rate Hits 70%
New York State has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions, effective immediately, as 70% of residents aged 18 or older have received their first vaccine doses. In celebration, landmarks across the state, ranging from the World Trade Center to Niagara Falls, were lit in blue and gold Tuesday evening.
The state’s health guidance and New York Forward industry-specific guidelines are now optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings.
Guidelines continue to be in effect for large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and healthcare settings.
“What New York has done is extraordinary,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday. “Not only do we have the lowest COVID positivity rate in the United States of America, we have hit 70% vaccination ahead of schedule.”
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