When Will Indoor Mask Mandates End In NY Schools? Governor Lifts COVID-19 Restriction

In a rare weekend press conference, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed the indoor mask mandates for schools will come to an end this week.

During the announcement Sunday, Hochul noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has placed the state in the “low risk” category for COVID-19 infections. Schools will no longer have to enforce the indoor mask mandate starting Wednesday.

“We will lift the statewide requirement based on all the data that I’ve just outlined. However, there are some counties in the state that have a higher rate of transmission -- we will allow them the flexibility to determine what’s best for their county,” Hochul stated.

“We would encourage them to take a look at this and follow the CDC, but this will no longer be a mandate.”

After reaching the peak of COVID-19 cases fueled by the Omicron variant in early January, there has been a 98% drop in new cases.

The data, along with “strong vaccination rates” and a decrease in hospitalizations, were among the factors that convinced the governor to end the COVID-19 restriction.

While Hochul has lifted the indoor mandates for schools across the state, and expects New York City to follow suit, she noted that the final decision for the city will be up to Mayor Eric Adams.

“New York City has different requirements. I think New York City will be with us on the timing on this,” Hochul said.

The nation's most-populated city ended outdoor mask mandates for schools on Friday after the CDC relaxed its guidelines on mask mandates regarding indoor public settings.

The public health agency still recommends masks to be worn indoors when in bus stations, train stations, and airports, as well as on public transportation.