New York lifts several Covid-19 curbs, celebrates 70% vaccination

New York sky lit up with fireworks on Tuesday as the state celebrated reaching a vaccination milestone, 70% adults in New York have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Governor Andrew Cuomo called the milestone an indicator that New Yorkers can now return to life as they know it. The state has also lifted various curbs and social distancing protocols - restaurants can now quit the 6 feet apart seating rule, movie theatres will no longer have to leave empty seats between patrons. Screening people for temperature or cleaning protocols for many types of businesses has also been lifted.

However, masks are still mandatory at schools, subways, large sport arenas, homeless shelters, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons. Unvaccinated citizens will be required to wear a mask while indoors in public places.