- New York's state of emergency is set to end on June 24, Gov.
Andrew Cuomo announced. - The state of emergency lasted for over a year, often overriding county and municipal governments.
- Cuomo will no longer be able to issue executive orders in areas normally reserved for the legislature.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the state of emergency put in place at the start of the pandemic will expire the next day, June 24.
Cuomo faced criticism from legislators only a few months after it went into effect over how he was using his broad reaching executive authority under the arrangement, which the Senate and Assembly granted him.
Although masks will still be required on public transit and for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public places and retail settings, county and local governments will be able to decide on public health measures without being overridden by the Cuomo administration.
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When Cuomo announced that he was lifting "virtually all" COVID-19 restrictions on June 15, he reiterated that the state will follow federal CDC guidance on things like mask wearing on subways and busses. Other CDC guidance on masks in homeless shelters and medical settings will continue to be observed.
The expiration of the state of emergency also means Cuomo will not be able to issue executive orders in areas normally reserved for the legislature.
Later on at his Wednesday briefing, Cuomo said a new monument honoring first responders and essential workers will open in Manhattan's Battery Park City by Labor Day.
The governor also talked about public safety as a major issue in New York City following the mayoral primary polls closing, with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams holding a commanding lead as results remain unofficial.