[Correspondent Diary] New York Unmasked, Vaccine Proof Requirement Also Abolished

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "Finally, New York is back."

New York City is accelerating its 'With Corona (return to normal life)' by removing masks and lifting vaccine pass requirements. Once considered the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis in the United States, New York will abolish the city's COVID-19 prevention guideline 'Key to NYC (mandatory vaccine verification)' starting from the 7th (local time) and will also lift the mask mandate in schools.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced this at a press conference held in Manhattan's Times Square on the 4th, stating, "It is now time to open the doors of New York City and revitalize the economy. After overcoming difficult times, New York is finally back."

Accordingly, from now on, there will be no need to present proof of vaccination when entering indoor facilities such as restaurants, gyms, and movie theaters in New York. Public school (K-12) students will no longer be required to wear masks at school. Last month, New York ended the mask mandate for most indoor facilities at the state government level but had maintained the mandate for schools.

However, individual stores and businesses may still require vaccination or mask-wearing on their own. Broadway theaters will continue to verify vaccination status through this month. The situation will be reviewed early next month, and guidelines will be updated accordingly. Mask-wearing regulations will also remain in place on public transportation such as subways and buses.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

This announcement aligns with the earlier recommendation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that masks are no longer necessary indoors in most areas, leading to a relaxation of COVID-19 response guidelines across states and cities.

California, Washington, and Oregon have announced that they will lift the mask mandate in schools starting this month. In Texas cities such as Dallas and Houston, this policy has also become optional. Illinois has allowed people to remove masks in restaurants, bars, gyms, and stores. On the 2nd, the White House unveiled a new 'National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan,' a so-called new With Corona strategy, declaring that COVID-19 will no longer disrupt daily life as it transitions to a new phase.

New York, which suffered the most damage in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., is accelerating its return to normal life by lifting even the vaccine pass requirement, based on the judgment that recent infection rates have remained consistently low. Mayor Adams emphasized, "Two years ago, New York City was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, but New Yorkers have greatly improved by receiving vaccines and boosters." He added, "The fight is not over yet," but "we are definitely winning."

According to New York City, as of the 4th, the 7-day average daily number of confirmed cases was 532, with an infection rate of only 1.65%. The number of new hospitalizations within 14 days was just 25. In January, when the Omicron variant was rampant, the daily average number of confirmed cases was in the 40,000s, and hospitalizations were in the thousands.

Additionally, this measure aims to revitalize tourism and hospitality industries, which have a significant impact on New York's economy. Andrew Ridge, director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, said, "New York City's restaurants and service industries were devastated by COVID-19," and added, "Now, with high vaccination rates and low infection rates, New York City has entered the next phase of urban recovery."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

However, concerns continue. Especially in Manhattan, New York, where many tourists from around the world visit, there are repeated warnings that resurgence situations such as the Delta and Omicron variants could occur at any time.

Jay Varma, former medical advisor to ex-Mayor Bill de Blasio, urged Mayor Adams to maintain the vaccine pass requirement in comments to local media. The New York Times (NYT) also pointed out that while Mayor Adams cited vaccination rates as the reason for easing guidelines, the low vaccination rates among adolescents and children could be a vulnerable link. The adult vaccination rate in New York City is 87%, but for those aged 5 to 17, it is only 56%.

At the press conference, there were many concerns that the early easing measures could lead to a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases again. However, Mayor Adams dismissed these, saying, "We are winning," and "Now is the time to celebrate." Rather, he urged, "Go out this weekend and dine at restaurants." We sincerely hope that Mayor Adams' celebration, based on vaccination rates, is not premature confidence and that everyone can now move toward regaining their normal lives.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.