Mask guidance changes for New York state

FINGER LAKES--With many local business and government leaders already hopeful for a strong summer season, New York announced last week it would adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new guidance on mask use and contact tracing procedures for fully vaccinated people. Under the new guidelines, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks outdoors, except in certain crowded settings and venues.
"Gov. Cuomo's announcement of relaxed restrictions for vaccinated individuals is welcome news for Yates County," said Nonie Flynn, Yates County Administrator. "Because we rely so much on recreation and tourism, especially going into the summer season, loosening the mask mandate on vaccinated individuals should be a boon to our restaurants and vacation rentals. The restored freedom is certainly a bonus for those already vaccinated and should be an incentive for those yet to be vaccinated."
The announcement was also welcome news in the local business community.
"Many of the accommodations, wineries and restaurants had a very strong year last year even with the strict travel requirements," said Judy McKinney Cherry, executive director for the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development. "I expect this year to be stronger than last year and perhaps even stronger than the record-breaking year we had in 2019. I appreciate New York state adopting the CDC guidelines. The relaxed rules surrounding our vaccinated visitors should provide an even greater boost for our local economy in 2021."
Fully vaccinated people have been defined as individuals who have had two or more weeks pass after receiving a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Masks are still recommended for use indoors and by unvaccinated people.
The new regulations address a bevy of circumstances, including travel, work, and recreation. For work, fully vaccinated non-healthcare workers no longer need to quarantine or be restricted from the workplace following an exposure to COVID-19 as long as they remain asymptomatic. Domestic travelers who are deemed fully vaccinated can now do so without being tested or quarantined. For those wishing to visit family, fully vaccinated people can now visit other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or adhering to social distancing. This includes visiting children who have not been vaccinated so long as they do not have other health risks. It is no longer recommended that people always wear a mask during outdoor recreation unless in very crowded settings or venues.