NYC will not implement new mask mandate

NEW YORK - New York City officials are not expanding any mask rules as the Delta variant continues to spread.

Instead, the mayor says city officials 'strongly recommend' masks indoors for vaccinated individuals.  He made the statement at a Monday morning news briefing.

The mayor says that masks are already required in many locations already.

Mask requirements in New York City

For all New Yorkers, regardless of vaccination status, masks are required on buses and the subway, in hospitals and health care settings, inside schools, and in congregate settings.

He also says that there remains a requirement for unvaccinated people to wear masks in all indoor and outdoor public settings.

De Blasio reiterated that his focus remains on getting people vaccinated.

Cuomo asks businesses to require vaccines for entry

According to the latest data from the CDC, New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut are now areas with either "substantial" or "high" rates of community transmission of the coronavirus, as cases continue to quickly rise statewide.

Over 2,500 people tested positive for the coronavirus in New York on Saturday, bringing the state's positivity rate to 2.68%

While New York City's positivity rate as a whole is just 2.30%, Staten Island's positivity rate has jumped to 3.25%, a number which, once upon a time, would have triggered colored zones and closures.

RELATED: As delta variant surges, Fauci warns more 'pain and suffering' ahead

"This virus has always been unpredictable, and in the face of the Delta variant, our hard-won progress is only as good as our determination to build on it," Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "The vaccine is free, safe and effective - and our strongest weapon in this ongoing fight. If you are still unvaccinated, you remain vulnerable and it is critical that you get your shot as quickly as possible."    

RELATED: These companies are requiring employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations

Despite some alarming recent reports, Dr. Anthony Fauci says that breakthrough infections among the vaccinated remain rare, but when it happens, those people can spread the infection to others.

There is good news, however. Vaccination rates nationwide are up 56^ in the last two weeks, but officials say that people who choose not to get inoculated or refuse to wear masks are putting others at risk. 

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