NYC Officially Recommends Wearing Masks In All Indoor Public Settings Again

Back in March, the NYC Health Department instituted a new “COVID-19 Alert System” to help direct New Yorkers and businesses on safety precautions to take based on how many COVID cases are ongoing in the city. And though the city is now re-evaluating the alert system and instead will continue to share COVID-19 data online (as copied below), the Health Department announced on Friday, July 8 that rates are at high levels one again, namely due to the new very transmissible variant BA.5.

So, city officials are strongly recommending that New Yorkers wear high-quality masks (KN95, KN94, N95) in all public indoor settings once again. This includes grocery stores, building lobbies, offices, stores, and other common or shared spaces where individuals may interact, such as restrooms, hallways, elevators, and meeting rooms.

They also say people should wear them outdoors when among crowds.

As usual, the NYC Department of Health and Mayor Adams encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of the resources at their disposal as we go through this next wave. They can:

• Head to nyc.gov/covidtest to find an at-home test distribution pick up location nearest them.
• Those with disabilities or who need assistance or have questions regarding at home test kits can call 311.
• Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language can call via video phone at 646-396-5830.
• If someone tests positive using an at-home test, they can call 212-COVID19 to be connected to resources like free meal and care package delivery.
• If you are age 12 or over, you may be eligible for a COVID-19 treatment (like monoclonal antibody treatment or prescribe antiviral medications), which can be delivered directly to your home for free. For more information on COVID-19 treatments, please call 212-COVID19 and press 9 or visit nyc.gov/health/covidtreatments.

They have also created a new online tool that will easily show you how long you should quarantine or isolate if you feel sick, test positive or know you were exposed. See it on the NYC Health website here.