Report: CDC recommends masks in public spaces in New York City due to COVID-19; 10 counties on the list – SILive.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is joining the city Health Department in recommending that residents of Staten Island and the rest of New York City wear masks in indoor public spaces due to an uptick in COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses during the holiday season, according to media reports.
Earlier this month, the city Health Department advised people to don masks when indoors and even in crowded outdoor settings. The suggestion was made due to spike in COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses such as the flu and RSV that have been popularly dubbed a “triple-demic.”
Richmond is among 10 counties statewide that are listed in a “high” tier on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tool that tracks levels of COVID-19 in communities throughout the country, according to PIX11.com.
People are urged to mask up while indoors in public places and on public transportation in all of New York City and Long Island, as well as the northern counties of Orange, Putnam, Westchester and Rockland, according to PIX11 and the CDC.
Masking is especially important for people at increased risk for COVID-19, RSV or the flu such as individuals ages 65 or older and/or those with conditions that compromise their immunity, according to the city Health Department.
“The holiday season is about togetherness and there is a way to gather safely – even as respiratory viruses in our city are unusually high,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan said earlier this month. “It starts with protecting yourself. Vaccination and boosters are critical but so are common sense precautions like masking when indoors or among crowds and staying home if you don’t feel well. Also, get tested before getting together, and get treated quickly if you test positive. We want everyone to have a happy and – most of all – healthy holiday.”
The city Health Department also is urging people to receive vaccinations against COVID-19 and the flu, even if they have been vaccinated previously. Everyone ages six months or older should complete their COVID-19 primary series and obtain the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster. An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Many pharmacies and doctors’ offices offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and it is safe to get them at the same time.
In a message to families shared by the Department of Education (DOE) website, it was noted the that city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) issued a universal masking recommendation for all indoor settings. This includes schools and day-care centers.
“As always, we follow the guidance of our health experts, and at the recommendation of our partners at DOHMH, we strongly encourage every student and staff member to wear a well-fitting mask indoors,” said the DOE’s message.
All public schools have face masks available. If a student needs a face mask, they should reach out to school staff for assistance. The DOE also urged all members of the school community to stay up to date with vaccinations, including the flu and COVID-19.
While masks are encouraged in schools, they are not required.
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