Credit: Anthony Behar/Sipa USA
NY: Gov. Cuomo Holds Press Conference In NYC
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that all New York State coronavirus mandates would be immediately lifted after 472 days of restrictions.
“The state mandates that have proven right and correct and brought us through this pandemic are relaxed as of today, effective immediately,” Cuomo said.
Speaking at the World Trade Center, Cuomo lauded the vaccination rate in New York which reached 70%, according to the CDC. Cuomo added that New York went from having the highest infection rate in the world at 48.16%, to the lowest in the country at .40%.
“Everybody looked at New York like it was a New York phenomenon,” Cuomo said. “We were in the dark. The fact was that New York was the victim of COVID.”
Cuomo said that the relaxing of the mandates includes things like businesses, social gatherings, and capacity restrictions, but added that it would still be up to individuals to decide what restrictions they want to keep place. However the federal CDC mandates for public transportation, pre-K-12 schools, and healthcare settings are still in place.
Today New York State reached our goal of 70% adult vaccination.
That means we can return to life as we know it.
Effective immediately, state-mandated COVID restrictions are lifted across commercial and social settings. pic.twitter.com/sMdqkSJ6h5
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 15, 2021
After the announcement, Cuomo recognized first responders by giving commemorative plaques to the heads of organizations such as NYS Police, the Teamsters, and EMS workers. Cuomo also mentioned that all state assets such as the Empire State Building will be lit up Tuesday night, along with fireworks all over the state to honor the essential workers.
Today is a momentous day, and New Yorkers deserve it because it has been a long, long road.
In honor of the lifting of nearly all COVID restrictions, and in gratitude of our essential workers, we'll have fireworks across the state to celebrate.
Look out for them at 9:15pm! 🎆
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 15, 2021
Tuesday’s announcement also comes on what would have been former Governor Mario Cuomo’s 89th birthday. The junior Cuomo stressed that his father really understood New Yorkers, believing in them above all.
“He didn’t have a high regard for the class of people called politicians and the pettiness and the lack of integrity that often goes with that,” Cuomo said. “But he a deep and profound belief in the people of New York.”
You can watch the full announcement below.
In New York City making a reopening announcement. Watch LIVE: https://t.co/xSz2dP9Cze
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 15, 2021
