New York City schools roll back indoor mask, vaccine mandates
NEW YORK -- More than 700 days after schools in New York City implemented the indoor mask mandate, most students are no longer required to wear face coverings.
Masks became optional Monday, marking a major milestone in the fight against COVID, CBS2's Kevin Rincon reported.
It felt like the first day of school for many kids.
"I was feeling a little weird, because I haven't seen their faces in a long time because we have to wear a mask," said Dallas Williams.
Third graders at the Wright Brothers School in the Sugar Hill section of Manhattan had mixed emotions.
"I felt different and I kind of felt surprising. One of my friends, he never took his mask off, but I saw his face for the first time and it felt like going back to 2019," Alexander Bringas said.
"I don't want to take my mask off because I don't want to get COVID. That's the thing. I don't want to take my mask off," said Christopher Jimenez.
- Web Extra: Advice for parents and kids about masks
Michael Mulgrew, head of the teachers union, said he hopes people respect each other's decision on whether to continue wearing masks at school.
"Our doctors have said to us that if you're going to be responsible, in terms of getting out of a pandemic, you're going to have to go through a phase where you will loosen some of the restrictions, but you must keep up the monitoring at all times," Mulgrew said.
While kids were elated to see their friends' faces again, CBS2 heard from parents who were still concerned about the risks of COVID.
"Me, personally, she's still got to wear her mask in school. Now she's not wearing it, it's good, but she still has to wear her mask in school," said Whaynna Araujo, whose daughter is in first grade.
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For now, kids under 5 years old are still required to wear a mask inside because they are not old enough for a COVID vaccine. That decision drove some parents to protest outside City Hall.
"My 4-year-old is waiting to show her smile," said Daniela Nydich, one of dozens who demanded masks be optional for everyone.
"They've been in a mask for two years of their life in school. So this is the most pivotal years of learning for them. It's how they learn, how to interact with their peers," Nydich said.
Parents and allies rallied against the measure, threatening a Supreme Court lawsuit. They're worried social skills and speech will be set back for toddlers, CBS2's John Dias reported.
Watch John Dias's report
"Parents need to get the choice back to decide what is right for their children and their families," Arielle Mogil said.
"Frankly, having children continue to wear masks defies common sense. New York City remains the only jurisdiction in New York state where children ages 2-4 must wear a mask in school," said parent Dr. Megan Martin.
A father who was not at the rally said he's happy to keep the mask on his preschooler.
"Not being vaccinated, he should be allowed to wear it," said Gilbert Salazar.
The teachers union said it's cautiously optimistic case numbers will remain low. Should that change, the mask policy could change.
Also Monday, the vaccine mandate for indoor bars and restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues was lifted in New York City.
Mayor Eric Adams did a walkthrough in the East Village to celebrate.
It's up to individual businesses whether they choose to keep the mandates in place. All the restaurants CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis visited Monday night said they are lifting vaccine requirement and are excited to get a sense of normalcy.
Staff at Michael's Restaurant were setting the table for the first night welcoming customers no matter their vaccine status.
"We just look forward to bringing more business, getting New York back to normal," manager Kelzy David said.
Many restaurants will no longer be checking vaccine cards at the door, as the city suspends Key to NYC rules.
"It's really exciting that we don't have to do that, especially because we're a busy restaurant. It takes less time at the door to get people enjoying their meals," said Polina Jourbina, general manager at Mermaid Oyster Bar.
Many marked the milestone on Monday night.
"I am relieved," Jersey City resident MJ Geis said.
"If the numbers are down overall and if officials are saying it's safe, I think I'm OK with it," added Adriana Lent of the Flatiron District.
Andrew Rigie, the executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, said the vast majority of restaurants he spoke with are lifting the mandate.
"Regardless of where one fell on the mandate, itself, just not having to enforce it is just a huge relief for so many people," Rigie said.
There are some places where the rules won't be changing just yet, including Broadway theaters and high-risk places, like hospitals and mass transit.