NYC to suspend vaccination requirement for indoor venues, and mask requirement for schools

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Friday that the “Key to NYC” rules will be suspended starting March 7, leading to the lifting of several COVID-19 pandemic restrictions give rapidly declining cases and hospitalizations in the city. Adams said indoor venues, including restaurants, fitness facilities and entertainment spaces, will not longer require proof of vaccination, but can continue to require vaccination if those businesses choose. In addition, face masks will no longer be required in schools for kindergarten to 12-grade students, but will continue to be required for setting with children under five years old, given that they are still ineligible for vaccines. Meanwhile, Adams said all other COVID-19 mandates will remain in effect, including the requirement of employees to be vaccinated unless they have received “reasonable accommodation” from their employer. “Today, we turn the page on this chapter in our fight against COVID-19,” Adams said.