By Darren Lyn
HOUSTON, Texas (AA) - New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Friday that the US city is suspending all indoor vaccine requirements, as well as mask mandates in schools starting next Monday.
“It’s time to open our city and get the economy back operating,” Adams said at a news conference. “This is truly an Arnold Schwarzenegger moment. We’ll be back.”
Beginning March 7, New Yorkers will no longer have to bring a vaccine passport when entering a building.
“So folks can come in and enjoy the restaurants, enjoy the businesses and be a part of this great city without having to show proof of vaccination,” said Adams. “So that means our restaurants, our businesses, and our concerts venue will no longer need to require patrons to provide this proof.”
Adams said restaurants and businesses can still opt to require vaccine cards, but the overall restriction is being removed.
“This is about giving people the flexibility as needed to continue to allow, not only safety, but we have to get our economy back on track,” he added.
Adams also announced masks will no longer be required in public schools from K thru 12, pointing out the COVID-19 positivity rate this past week was .18 percent.
“Our schools have been some of the safest places,” said Adams, as he stressed the need to make the school day easier for students, teachers, and staff.
Masks will now be optional in almost all schools city-wide.
“If you feel comfortable in wearing your mask, feel free to do so,” said Adams. “Masks will now be an option in indoor settings and will be available for students and staff and anyone who wants to wear one because we want to get people that comfort level.”
Pre-kindergarten programs with children under five-years-old will still require masks because vaccinations are not yet available for kids in that age group.
But for all the other schools, life will go back to the way it was before masks became the standard.
“I know you missed it, and I missed it,” Adams continued. “We want to see the faces of our children, we want to see their smiles, we want to see how happy they are… and a mask prevented us from doing so for almost two years.”