New York's COVID Surge Is Back — And So Is The Mask Mandate

An average of 9,740 people tested positive for COVID-19 over the seven days through Dec. 8 in the state, a 38% increase from the previous seven days.

Facing a winter surge in COVID-19 infections, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that masks will be required in all indoor public places unless the businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement.

Hochul said the decision to impose a mask mandate was based on the state's weekly seven-day case rate, as well as increasing hospitalizations.

The mask mandate applies to both patrons and staff and will be in effect from Monday to Jan. 15, after which the state will reevaluate.