NY Adopts CDC Mask and Distancing Guidelines; In Saratoga County – Half the Population Have Completed Vaccine Series, Infection Rate Lowest Since October

ALBANY — Three hundred and ninety-nine days after New York was the first state in the country to implement a mask mandate, fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to use a face covering in most public places, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week. 

New York State adopted the CDC’s updated guidance on masks and social distancing as of May 19. In most settings, vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask. Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and state guidance must wear masks in all public settings. 

Most business capacities – which were based upon percentage of maximum occupancy — were also removed on May 19. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet, according to the state. Businesses may eliminate the 6 feet of required social distancing and increase capacity if all patrons within the establishment — or a separate designated part of the establishment — present proof of full vaccination status. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State’s Excelsior Pass. 

COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates are at their lowest levels since last fall, and more than 10 million New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose. 

In Saratoga County, the current 7-day average infection positivity rate is 1.1%, the lowest since late October. As far as the vaccine, 58.1 percent of Saratoga County residents have received at least one vaccine dose, and 50% have completed the vaccine series.   

Additional and future updated information regarding New York’s reopening guidance may be found here: forward.ny.gov.