NYC Facing the Return of Mask Mandates?

By Ophelia Garrett

In Brief: 

As COVID-era mandates are dropping nationwide, and Biden’s “End of COVID” scheduled for May, not everyone agrees. New York City Mayor, Eric Adams (D), has stated he will bring back mandates if he thinks it is best. 

The Background: 

During a recent interview with Caribbean Power Jam Radio’s "The Reset Show," Mayor Adams stated that despite COVID mandates being rescinded, he isn’t set against bringing all mandates back. While saying he was rescinding the mandates for now as COVID is becoming normal, he also stated that employees saying,  "I want to do whatever I want," should not be allowed. 

Adams further stated:

“This was real. If we didn’t have that vaccine and we didn’t have those mandates, we would have lost so many more lives. And so, those who made the determination that, no, I still want to come into a work environment and I’m not going to be vaccinated, no, I want to still ride the trains. I want to do whatever I want. That just wasn’t right. That wasn’t right."

So while the mandates are currently rescinded, New Yorkers shouldn’t get too comfortable. 

COVID vaccines are now optional for current or prospective city employees. Yet, if you are one of the 1,780 former city workers fired for refusing the forced vaccine, you don’t automatically get your job back but must apply and hope you’re given a chance. 

Notable Quotes: 

“I continue to urge every New Yorker to get vaccinated, get boosted, and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and those around them from COVID-19.” – Mayor Adams