On Friday, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) said its mask mandate for the state’s healthcare facilities would end on Sunday.
This COVID-19 advisory aligns the state’s guidance with the latest federal recommendation from the CDC, NYSDOH said in its Friday announcement.
The department sent the advisory to hospitals, nursing homes, home health care and hospice agencies, and diagnostic and treatment centers.
“March 1st represents three years since the first COVID-19 case was identified in New York,” Dr. James McDonald, acting state health commissioner, said.
“Healthcare workers statewide have performed consistently and heroically throughout this pandemic and have used masking and other personal protective equipment to protect themselves and their patients. The pandemic is not over, yet we are moving to a transition. As we do, and with safe and effective vaccines, treatments, and more, we are able to lift the State’s masking requirement in healthcare settings as operators now develop and implement their own facility-specific plans in accordance with federal CDC guidance and the level of transmission in their areas.”