As the winter season approaches, the risk of widespread coronavirus infection will also increase. So, to prevent the spread of infection and to make people aware of new variants, New York City Governor, Kathy Hochul has announced major actions and steps that citizens are expected to follow. The previous week she announced that the mask mandate will start on Monday, which is 13 December.
Major Actions To Address The Winter Surge Announced By NYC Governor
Through her official Twitter account, she responded that It is necessary to prevent the crisis and panic that may be created if precautions are not taken and will lead to community transfer of the Omicron variant. To avoid business disruptions due to increasing cases and mass level hospitalization, certain health guidelines have been laid which include mask mandate, social distancing, and vaccination.
As per Governor Holchul, it will be necessary to wear the masks in all indoor public places and get vaccinated as soon as possible. The masks are necessary until the institutions or venues create a mandate for vaccination. This is a major announcement and action undertaken to keep in mind the winter surge and prevent a high transmission.
The state arrived at this decision by analyzing the State’s weekly seven-day case rate and the number of people being admitted to hospitals every day. With effect from December 13, 2021, till 15 January 2022, the state will look at the progress made and positive changes taking place in current situations, if the situation demands.
Kathy Hochul said, “As a Governor of the New York City, I have two major priorities which are, protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of the economy to stay alive as it has already suffered a lot due to lockdowns. ” Keeping health as a top priority, these temporary measures are thought to have a positive effect to help confront the winter surge and aid the people in getting vaccinated. Along with the measures laid, the Governor thanked the 80℅ population of the country for getting vaccinated and contributing to the formation of a healthy nation.
She also urged the unvaccinated population to receive the vaccination and booster shots if they are eligible as soon as possible
Looking at the data, the seven-day average case rates have been increased by 43℅ since Thanksgiving and Halloween day, and rates of people getting hospitalized have increased by 29℅. Also, calculating the percentage since Thanksgiving, the number of people getting fully vaccinated has increased by 6℅.
With the emergence of the omicron variant after the Delta variant, the responsibility of the state has increased to protect its people. The state has the required tools to fight the virus but needs the right ways to implement them in the right direction.
Vaccination proves out to be effective against developing the disease and masking helps to protect each other. Further, if anyone is found violating the provided provisions, they are subject to a fine of $1000. Healthcare institutions functioning at all levels are required to implement these provisions. This mask mandate will prove to be effective for the citizens of New York in the long run, she Stated.
