NYC COVID mask requirement for healthcare workers to expire

ALBANY, NY — New York State officials said Sunday they will lift COVID-19-related mask-wearing requirements for staff, patients and visitors at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Acting health commissioner Dr James McDonald said that while the pandemic is not over yet, “we are moving into a transition.”

“As we do this, and with the help of safe and effective vaccines, treatments and more, we can eliminate the state requirement for masks in health care settings,” McDonald said in a statement.

The decision, announced Thursday, comes as governments continue to loosen rules put in place during the pandemic’s busiest days.

Earlier this week, New York City announced that it would no longer require COVID-19 vaccinations for police, firefighters, teachers and other municipal employees.

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state has steadily declined this year, standing at 2,176 as of Thursday.

Health officials have advised hospitals, nursing homes, treatment centers and other institutions to introduce their own mask-wearing guidelines, in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.

Download the Modern Healthcare app to keep up to date with industry news.