NYC Plans to Eliminate Vaccination and Mask Mandate in Schools – NBC New York

The use of masks inside schools and showing proof of vaccination to enter certain public places in the Big Apple, two essential requirements in the daily lives of New Yorkers, could soon become measures of the past.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday his intention to scrap the policy “Key2NYC“from the city that requires showing proof of vaccination for anyone over the age of 5 to enter most indoor public spaces. He also said schools may soon not require students and staff to wear face masks in the inside.

The removal of those mandates, some of New York City’s biggest steps toward returning to pre-pandemic life, would begin Monday, March 7. However, the final decision would be announced by the mayor on Friday.

“At the end of this week, we will assess the numbers and make a final announcement on Friday. If we don’t see any unforeseen spikes and our numbers continue to show a low level of risk, New York City will eliminate the mandatory use of face coverings in schools. starting next Monday, March 7,” the mayor said in a statement Sunday hours after the governor announced that as of Wednesday, March 2, students and employees will not have to wear masks inside schools. Each city will have the option to take its own measures, the governor said.

In addition, the mayor also considers looking at the indicators to eliminate vaccination measures to enter closed public places as of March 7.

“New York City’s numbers continue to drop day after day, so as long as the COVID indicators show a low level of risk and we don’t see any surprises this week, on Monday, March 7, we will also lift the requirements for Key2NYC. This will give business owners time to adjust and allow us to ensure that we are making the best public health decisions for the people of New York.”

The Democrat clarified that all other city vaccination mandates will remain in place.

The state of New York on Sunday reported 1,671 positive cases of COVID-19, 1,911 hospitalizations and 20 people who lost their lives in relation to the disease.

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