New York to soon lift vaccine mandate on restaurants, bars, theatres, others

New York City Mayor, Eric Adams has announced that a dramatic drop in coronavirus infections could lead to the lifting of vaccine mandates on restaurants, bars and theaters as soon as March 7, 2022.

“We’re taking this week to give business owners the time to adapt while we monitor the numbers to ensure we are making the best public health decisions for the people of New York.”

This comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance that says most Americans can safely take a break from wearing masks, including students in schools.

The CDC guidelines for other indoor spaces aren’t binding, meaning cities and institutions even in areas of low risk may set their own rules.

Executive Director; NYC Hospitality Alliance, Andrew Rigie said lifting the vaccine requirements would be a positive step for restaurants, bars, and theaters.

“We need to continue to be smart and safe, and also modify mandates as COVID risks are reduced. So this will be welcome news to many restaurants and bars, although I wouldn’t be surprised if some businesses want to voluntarily keep it in place,” Rigie said in a text message to The Associated Press.

Eric Adams has also applauded this development in a thread of tweets.

“We’ve fought a long, hard battle. And we’re winning it because of the grit and determination of everyday New Yorkers like you,” Adams tweeted.

New York Governor, Kathy Hochul advised that counties and cities could keep their own mandates in place, and parents could still choose to send their kids to school in masks.