NY Governor Kathy Hochul lifts mask mandate, keeps masks in schools

In a press conference on Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the state’s mask mandate will expire on Thursday, but maintained the mask mandate in schools.

Hochul cited lowering COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates in the state, saying the numbers are trending in a positive direction and allow for the changes to the state’s mask mandate, put in place on December 10 amid the omicron surge. “This fight is not over, we’re not surrendering. This is not disarmament,” she said, “but again the trends are very, very positive.”

Private businesses in New York are still free to set their own masking policies, and masks will still be required in some places, like healthcare facilities, some types of shelters, and while using public transit. 

Hochul said the state will revisit mask use in schools in early March, after students return to schools after the scheduled winter break. The state will also distribute COVID tests to students and encourage them to test themselves once they return to class or a few days after. Data from that testing will be used to determine whether mask mandates in schools can be lifted.