Governor Cuomo: “We Can Return to Life as We Know It”

Governor Andrew Cuomo says state-mandated Covid restrictions in New York have been lifted effective immediately.

Cuomo made the declaration Tuesday afternoon as he acknowledged the CDC's report that 70 percent of New York adults now have received at least one dose of a vaccine.

Although most restrictions are being removed, federal masking requirements remain in place in New York for pre-K through 12th grade schools, as well as on public transit and in healthcare settings.

The governor said "New York is not reopening." He said the challenge "is to reimagine New York" and make the state better than ever.

Cuomo praised essential workers who have supported New Yorkers during the pandemic. He said they would be honored with fireworks displays "all across the state" Tuesday night. [According to the governor's office, a fireworks display at Binghamton University's Vestal campus is scheduled to start at 9:15 p.m.]

The governor said efforts will continue to increase vaccinations rates across the state. The latest statistics show 68.4 percent of Southern Tier adults have received at least a single vaccine dose.

Cuomo said June 15 should be remembered as "the day that New York rose again."

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

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