NY would lift mandate for masks for children under 5

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City is preparing to lift requirements for children under 5 years of age to wear masks in schools as a protective measure against coronavirus.

Mayor Eric Adams said Tuesday that it will be optional to wear masks for children in daycare and pre-kindergarten starting April 4 if infection rates and the risk of spread remain low.

“We want to see the faces of our babies,” Adams said.

Municipal officials said that if trends continue, they will lift the mandate. They indicated that COVID-19 case rates were only one factor they considered and did not specify which positivity rate limits or other metrics would cause them to reconsider.

The Democratic mayor lifted several pandemic restrictions two weeks ago, including students age 5 and older wearing masks in schools. The mayor maintained the requirement for younger children, who are not eligible for vaccines.

Adams also lifted rules requiring people to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, gyms, and attend mass events, as part of nationwide efforts to return to normal, amid a consistent decline in coronavirus cases and deaths.

The city maintains to date a rule that requires private companies to ensure that their employees are vaccinated. The city order has attracted attention because it prevents Brooklyn Nets guard Byrie Irving from playing home games with the team. Irving is not vaccinated and can come to watch the games as a spectator, but he cannot play or be in the dressing room.

The rules also apply to the Yankees and Mets, who may leave players out of games next season.