Tip Sheets

With NY mask mandate lifted, caution still needed as Omicron is still around

February 10, 2022

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday the state will end a mandate requiring face coverings in most indoor public settings.

Isaac Weisfuse

Medical Epidemiologist

Dr. Isaac Weisfuse, medical epidemiologist and adjunct professor at Cornell University Public Health, has more than 25 years of experience in public health. He previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Health at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Weisfuse says:

“Decreasing COVID-19 infection rates in New York state resulted in Governor Hochul's decision to end the indoor mask mandate for businesses. However, in crowded indoor locations without adequate ventilation, mask use should be encouraged as a voluntary initiative. The Omicron variant hasn't gone away, and because of its high infectivity, will result in new infections for the foreseeable future.”
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