Adams eyes lifting NYC vaccine requirement for public places on March 7

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) is looking to lift the Big Apple’s vaccine requirement for public places on March 7.

Adams announced in a statement on Sunday that the city will remove so-called Key2NYC requirements next month “as long as COVID indicators show a low level of risk and we see no surprises this week.”

The Key2NYC initiative requires that individuals five years and older show proof of vaccination before entering most public places, including restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues.

Adams said the proposed timeline “will give business owners the time to adapt and will allow us to ensure we are making the best public health decisions for the people of New York.”

He noted, however, that “All other vaccine mandates in New York City will remain in place at this time as they are, and have been, vital to protecting New Yorkers.”

The announcement comes as COVID-19 indicators are trending downwards in New York City. Average daily cases, hospitalizations and confirmed deaths in the city were all decreasing on Sunday compared to the previous 28 days, according to the city’s COVID-19 data website.

Adams’ proposed timetable for lifting vaccine requirements in the city came the same day New York Gov. Kathy HochulKathy HochulAdams eyes lifting NYC vaccine requirement for public places on March 7 New York to end school mask mandate on Wednesday New York City schools drop outdoor mask mandate, keep indoor mandate MORE (D) announced that the statewide school mask requirement would end on Wednesday. Counties and cities, however, can still require face coverings to be worn in schools.

Adams on Sunday said the city will remove its indoor mask mandate for public school students on March 7 “If we see no unforeseen spikes and our numbers continue to show a low level of risk.”

Beginning Monday, students and staff attending public schools in the Big Apple will no longer have to wear masks outdoors.

The Empire State has seen a decrease in daily COVID-19 cases since mid-January, when the number of new daily infections reached as high as 90,000, according to The New York Times. Less than 1,500 cases were reported on Saturday.