The state’s acting health commissioner, James McDonald, MD, told Politico the decision comes as a result of decreasing COVID-19 cases statewide and is indicative of a “period of transition” in the pandemic.
New York ended its state of emergency declaration for COVID-19 back in September, but had extended the requirements for masking in health facilities until now.
Becker’s reached out to the New York State Health Department for additional comment on how this policy may be reassessed in time if another surge occurs. We have yet to receive a reply.
