MTA Reminds New Yorkers to Continue to Mask on Public Transit

     Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced, in his very last COVID briefing yesterday, that 70% of state residents have been vaccinated, which was the threshold at which he said he would end the state’s remaining pandemic protocols, however: some rules still apply.

     This morning, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reminded the city’s users of public transportation that while riding subways, buses, and commuter rails, masks are still necessary, however, vaccinated New Yorkers need not mask on outdoor platforms or at bus stops.

     Public transit is one of six other settings that are still subject to federal guidelines that are issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

      Pre-K to grade 12 schools, healthcare settings, correctional facilities, nursing homes, homeless shelters, and large-scale venues are the other settings in which New Yorkers must continue to practice the CDC’s guidance.

      New York state will adjust its state guidelines as the CDC continues to update its guidelines, noted the governor. 

      Until that time, however, masking upon public transit is still required of New Yorkers, who showed a 90% compliance throughout the pandemic, the MTA said.

      "New York has made remarkable progress fighting back against COVID-19, but the pandemic is still here and for riders to best protect themselves and their fellow riders, masks remain required," MTA Chief Safety Officer Patrick Warren said in a statement Wednesday. "The MTA will continue to monitor the CDC and the New York State Department of Health guidance on masks, and update our customers as needed."

Photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA