Gov. Andrew Cuomo says New York's COVID-19 restrictions will almost entirely go away once at least 70 percent of adults in the state have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
As of Monday morning, the Empire State was a breath away from that magic number, with 68.6 percent of adults having received at least one dose.
"When we are at 70% I feel comfortable to lift restrictions," Cuomo said during a news conference Monday, touting the state's progress since the initial pandemic-related shutdowns in March 2020.
Once New York reaches the 70 percent mark, mask rules would only apply to certain situations, like schools, large venues and nursing homes, per the latest CDC guidelines.
Masks will remain standard protocol indoors in schools, though the state is allowing districts to loosen restrictions when it comes to outdoor activities. Individual decisions will be up to local districts.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently marked August 21 as the date for a reopening mega concert in Central Park, organized by music legend Clive Davis.
New York state's COVID positivity rate has fallen to 0.52 percent, its lowest since the start of the pandemic.
The COVID vaccine is available for free to all New Yorkers ages 12 and up. Go here to find a vaccine site near you.
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