A NYS mask mandate was enforced on Dec. 13, 2021, as COVID-19 cases, namely the Omicron variant, soared. Governor Kathy Hochul followed the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines by announcing a requirement for masks to be worn in all indoor places, unless private businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. The mandate was created based on the state’s growing weekly case rate and the increase in hospitalizations. It will be reevaluated on Jan. 15, 2022. 

In an article on the New York State Governor’s website (governor.ny.gov), Hochul said, “My two top priorities are to protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of our economy.” She thanked the more than 80% of New York adults who have gotten vaccinated and urged those who are not vaccinated to do so, so that she can remove the mask mandate.

Many feel this mask mandate is necessary to stop the spread of coronavirus. Sophomore Isabella Martinez commented, “I think it’s important to take all measures possible to keep everyone safe.” Martinez is also worried because of the rise in cases and added, “I don’t want this to become a repeated year of 2020, where everyone is in quarantine.” 

Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% and hospitalizations have increased 29%. The percentage of New Yorkers fully vaccinated also continues to increase. However, this uptick in vaccinations is not fast enough to stop the spread. Conditions are also getting worse due to the winter weather and holiday season, which lead people to spend more time indoors.  

According to the CDC (cdc.gov), the Omicron variant spreads more rapidly compared to the original SARS-CoV-2 variant. Studies have also shown that the spread is 70 times faster than the Delta variant, according to Deseret News (deseret.com). Those who are already vaccinated are getting infected by this new variant; however, most of their symptoms are not very severe. Researchers are still in the early phases of understanding the Omicron variant, but the booster shot is likely to offer more protection.

The CDC stated that vaccines are still the best public health option to protect people from COVID-19. The agency also points out that masks offer protection against all variants and urges people to wear them in public indoor places, regardless of vaccination status, in order to act as a barrier to stop the transmission of COVID-19.  

Senior Emmie Paladino said, “It’s hard to see the rise in COVID cases, but it was inevitable. People are gathering inside, and things are opening back up.” 

Sophomore Grace Loiselle has similar feelings to Paladino. “I feel uneasy because I want my family to be healthy and I want there to be in person classes and events. If mask wearing helps keep us safe, I don’t see the point in not wearing it.”