Changes in COVID-19 Guidelines

By: Vicky Shi, Community Reporter 

The New York State Department of Health will no longer require mask use in hospitals or healthcare facilities. Later on, healthcare facilities will have the power to establish their own rules for masking requirements.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald stated, “The pandemic is not over, yet we are moving to a transition.”

The end of the mask mandate in healthcare facilities came a few days after the announcement of the end of the vaccine mandate for city workers. Additionally, visitors to city schools are no longer required to show proof of their first vaccination, according to schools.nyc.gov.

The city also deactivated the COVID-19 alert services, which alerted people when the rates of positive cases were up, indicating that they were at higher risk of catching the virus.

WJPS junior Savia Lovett stated, “I personally don’t think it’s the right choice to end the mask mandate because there are many sick people in health care places, so wearing it helps prevent those already ill from getting worse.  I personally visit the doctor often, so having extra protection makes me feel more safe.” 

“I think ending the mask mandate could be a good choice to move forward from COVID-19 and bring an end to it,” said WJPS sophomore Alexa Llenas.

“Medical face masks for protection against coronavirus and other airborne virus infection with stethoscope and Yellow sticky note on pink background. Thank You Hospital Workers” by focusonmore.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0.