New York removes mask requirement on subways, buses and other public transport

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that New Yorkers are no longer required to wear masks on the subway, buses and other forms of public transportation.

Hochul said that the decision to terminate the mandate takes effect immediately. The governor said New York is in a much stronger position as infections and hospitalizations drop. New boosters targeting the dominant Omicron BA.5 sub-variant. This should also provide better protection against Covid, she said.

“We really believe we are in good shape right now, especially if New Yorkers take advantage of this booster. This is how we will return not just to a new normality, but to normal normality, and this is what we are striving for,” Hochul said during a press conference.

New York City made it compulsory to wear on public transportation over two years ago when that city was the epicenter of Covid in the US. Many New Yorkers began ignoring the requirement in the spring after near-universal compliance early in the pandemic.

Hochul said masks are still required in nursing homes and hospitals.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said omicron boosters should provide better protection against infection as the vaccines now follow the dominant variant, although there is no data yet on the effectiveness of the vaccines.

“If it’s been more than two months since you had your last shot, you’re 12 years old or older, you should get a boost, and this time it could be a booster that we think will give people much more protection,” Bassett said. .