New York celebrates lifting of Covid restrictions with fireworks

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced New York state-mandated COVID restrictions on commercial and social settings will be lifted effective immediately -- and to celebrate, there were fireworks across the state Tuesday night. He said we have hit 70% vaccination, meaning the state can "now return to life as we know it. It is an important milestone, and we're going to keep pushing to do more, Cuomo told a news conference, adding that the state would continue to encourage more New Yorkers to get vaccinated.

Cuomo said some limitations based on guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would remain in place, with mitigation measures still required in public transit and healthcare settings. Industry-specific restrictions, which had been in effect before Tuesday, included capacity limits of 50% for retailers, 33% for gyms and the lesser of 33% or 100 people for movie theaters. Businesses will no longer need to require vaccinated people to wear masks and maintain six feet (2 meters) of distance. Unvaccinated residents must still wear masks and maintain distancing in public, and may need to show proof of a recent negative coronavirus test to gain entrance to some event venues, the governor's office said. He also said individuals and businesses could still choose to adopt some precautions.

Most US states have moved to ease or lift coronavirus restrictions as the virus abates and vaccinations progress. New York joined California, where restrictions including physical distancing, mask requirements and capacity limits for restaurants, stores and other businesses that cater to consumers ended on Tuesday.