NYC asks to wear a mask in public again due to covid rebound

The New York authorities today asked the population to wear a mask again in all public indoor places and announced that they will distribute millions of home tests to try to contain the rebound in covid-19 cases that is being registered in the city.

The recent rise in infections has put the Big Apple on the verge of entering a high alert level, which is declared when certain levels of hospitalization are exceeded and a certain proportion of beds occupied by patients with covid-19 is reached.

This month, cases in the city have risen sharply again, reaching just over 300 per 100,000 inhabitants in seven days, according to the latest official data, which also shows a clear increase in hospital admissions, a situation that is even worse in other areas of New York State.

In response, local authorities today recommended the use of masks in all public indoor places, including shops, offices, building entrances, elevators and, in general, any other place where space is shared with strangers.

“Alert level. All New Yorkers should wear face coverings in all enclosed public spaces. People at high risk for serious illness should avoid crowded settings and limit gatherings,” the city said in a message on social media.

Today @NYCHealthCommr issued an advisory as the City approaches the high #COVID19 Alert Level. All New Yorkers should wear masks in all indoor public settings. Those at high risk of severe illness should avoid crowded settings and limit get-togethers: https://t.co/OgfRtVTwVK pic.twitter.com/ojae9YJCP1

— City of New York (@nycgov) May 16, 2022

The subway and the rest of the New York public transport system, meanwhile, continue to require all passengers to wear a mask.

In addition, the New York City Council announced that it will distribute another 16.5 million home tests and one million quality masks.

“Home tests and masks offer New Yorkers reliable and convenient ways to protect themselves and others and allow them to enjoy our city,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.

New York was at the beginning of the pandemic one of the world epicenters of covid-19 and the city already accumulates more than 40,000 deaths from the disease, according to official data.

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