COVID19 2021-06-16 Update: Most NYS Restrictions Lifted, Local Vaccination Available

The Tompkins County Health Department is alerting the community to a recent announcement by NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo. With 70% of adult New Yorkers having received at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, the Governor has lifted COVID-19 restrictions around mask wearing, distancing, cleaning, health screening, and gathering, except for the mask requirement for unvaccinated individuals and in certain settings listed below.

As of June 15, 2021, COVID-19 restrictions are lifted across the following, including but not limited to:

• Commercial settings: Retail, Food Services, Offices, Gyms and Fitness Centers, Amusement and Family Entertainment, Hair Salons, Barber Shops, Personal Care Services
• Child care
• Camps
• Construction and Manufacturing
• Agriculture

The following restrictions remain in place:

• Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Consistent with the State's implementation of the recent CDC guidance, masks are still required for unvaccinated individuals.
• The State's health guidelines continue to be in effect per CDC guidelines for the following settings:
  • Large-scale indoor event venues that hold more than 5,000 attendees
  • Pre-K to grade 12 schools
  • Public transit
  • Homeless shelters
  • Établissements pénitentiaires
  • Maisons de retraite
  • Health care settings

For a full list of settings impacted by the lifting of restrictions, refer to the NY Forward website.

Frank Kruppa, Tompkins County Public Health Director stated, “This is a great milestone for our State and County. I am proud of the hard work our County has done to curb the spread of this virus and hold a leading vaccination rate for the country. During this past week, we have seen multiple days with no new positive cases. While many restrictions are now lifted, individuals and settings have the option to continue to uphold precautions. I ask the public to once again be patient and understanding as our community transitions to this new phase.”

“Vaccine is readily available in our community. If you or your friends and family have not yet been vaccinated, now is the time. Please check our website, go to a local pharmacy, or call 2-1-1 to learn how to get vaccinated,” reminded Kruppa.

Information about local vaccination clinics can be found on the TCHD website. TCHD and REACH Medical will continue to schedule smaller, site-specific vaccination clinics in locations throughout the County over the next few weeks. Local pharmacies and medical offices may have vaccine available, details available online.

NYS State-run Vaccination Sites are offering vaccine to all eligible age groups. Appointments can be scheduled on the NYS Department of Health website.

Individuals without computer and/or internet access may also call 2-1-1 (877-211-8667) during regular business hours 8:30am-5:00pm for inquiries about vaccination.

For local updates and information, check the TCHD website.