NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 17: Commuters wear face masks as they exit a subway train on April 17, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Heins/Getty Images)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 6:12 PM PT – Wednesday, September 7, 2022
After more than two years, New York is finally ending its mask mandate for public transit.
On Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul (D-N.Y.) announced to the public that New Yorkers will no longer have to wear a mask on subways, buses and on other types of mass transit. Hochul said her decision is based on CDC guidance. It will go into effect immediately.
This comes as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations have been declining throughout the Empire State.
“Masks are encouraged but optional, (referring to a sign) this is what you’re going to see on our subways and (on our) mass transit throughout the State of New York,” Hochul said during a press conference. “This is (on) buses upstate, this is transportation everywhere.”
The Governor also encouraged New Yorkers to respect one another’s choices on wearing a mask. Face coverings are still mandatory in New York’s nursing homes, hospitals and in other health care facilities.