After more than a year of mandatory mask wearing, New Yorkers who are fully vaccinated are breathing a little easier. As of May 19, in line with CDC guidance, fully vaccinated individuals need not wear masks in most of New York's business and public settings. (Those who are unvaccinated must continue to wear masks in all public settings, per both NY state and CDC guidance.)
There are exceptions to the new mandate, of course. Among them Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings will continue to wear masks under NY's existing COVID-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.