Co-teachers at Yung Wing School P.S. 124 Marisa Wiezel and Caitlin Kenny give a lesson to their masked students on Sept. 27, 2021, in New York City. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) said Friday that New York City would lift its mask mandate for K-12 schools next week.
Why it matters: It's the latest local or state government to drop its mandate in recent weeks.
- Masks will continue to be required for all settings with children under 5, the mayor's office said.
- The announcement also included an end to New York City's proof-of-vaccination requirement for restaurants, gyms and other indoor venues
Of note: Adams said the policies could change if COVID infections dramatically increase.
What they're saying: "We want to see the faces of our children want to see their smiles," Adams said at a press conference in Times Square on Friday. "We want to see when they're feeling sad so that we can be there to comfort them and a mask prevented us from doing so for almost two years and [we are] happy to see those smiles again."
- "If we see reason to change any policies, we're going to go to be unafraid to make those adjustments and changes," Adams added.