(Ithaca, N.Y., September 8, 2022) – The Tompkins County Health Department is alerting the community that as of September 7, 2022, New York State’s mask mandate policy no longer requires masking on public transportation.
Masks will still be required in certain settings, including NYS licensed health facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Masks are still required in the public spaces within the Tompkins County Health Department and at Tompkins County Mental Health. Anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 should wear a high-quality mask as a precaution. High-quality masks should also be worn by those who have been positive for COVID-19, upon returning to public spaces, to work or to school following the end of their isolation period.
Public Health Director Frank Kruppa stated, “While masks are no longer required by the State of New York when riding on public transportation, please remember that anyone can chose to wear a mask at any time for personal reasons. High-quality masks have been an instrumental public health tool in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other viral illnesses.”
Kruppa continued, “Gov. Hochul’s decision follows the announcement of updated booster doses for those ages 12 and above, which are soon to be available in local pharmacies and healthcare offices. The updated boosters will provide enhanced protection against the most common variants and reduce severity of illness, hospitalization and death.”
TCHD is encouraging all eligible individuals to stay up to date on vaccinations and receive a booster dose. Vaccine is available in local pharmacies, healthcare offices and other settings. Learn more online or dial 2-1-1 (1-877-211-8667) for assistance. COVID-19 Vaccines, including the new updated boosters, remain free-of-charge to the public. Find a vaccine near you at vaccines.gov.
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health, and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth. Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates or other county announcements via email or text.
Media contact: Shannon Alvord, salvord@tompkins-co.org
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