New York State recently updated guidance for masks for people who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Everyone still needs to wear a mask in Pre-K to 12 grade schools, healthcare settings, nursing homes, correctional facilities, public transit, and homeless shelters. These settings must follow the State’s existing COVID-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after they received their final dose.
Effective May 19, 2021, people who are fully vaccinated are not required by the State to wear a mask in other public settings. However, businesses are allowed to require masking for all. It is recommended that you have a mask with you in case you need it. You should also be prepared to show proof of your vaccination status: your COVID-19 vaccination card or the State’s Excelsior Pass (paper or digital).
New York State's policy is a result of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html. According to the CDC, the vaccines currently available in the United States are highly effective at protecting vaccinated people against symptomatic and severe COVID-19. Also, a growing body of evidence suggests that fully vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection or spread COVID-19 to others.
To find a Madison County Health Department COVID-19 vaccination clinic, go to: https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/2675/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information. To find other clinic sites, go to: www.vaccinefinder.org.