New York mask mandate to expire, but not in schools

By MARINA VILLENEUVE
Associated Press

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday the state will end a COVID-19 mask mandate requiring face coverings in most indoor public settings, but will keep masking rules in place in schools for now. The broad rule requires masks in places like shops and offices. It was enacted in mid-December as the omicron variant began infecting huge numbers of New Yorkers. The rule was set to expire Thursday. Hochul has been saying she wants to see vaccination rates for children increase before she gets rid of a state requirement for masks in schools.