A pandemic in New York

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has called on private businesses, including restaurants and bars, to serve only people vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Such a principle is already in place in stadiums, music halls. Now I am asking private businesses, suggesting to them bars, restaurants to move towards allowing only vaccinated people," he said at a press conference that was broadcast on his website.

Additional measures to control the coronavirus are being introduced because of the spread of the delta variant infection. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it accounts for more than 83% of coronavirus infections in the US. However, even vaccinated people can become infected with the delta variant and spread it, according to a CDC report on the coronavirus situation in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Against this background, the CDC has already recommended a return to wearing masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

In New York at the state level, a return to mask-wearing has not yet occurred. Cuomo at a press conference called for the reintroduction of masks, but did not formalise the requirement with any ordinance, making it only a recommendation. However, individual establishments, offices and apartment complexes have issued updated rules in recent days requiring everyone on their premises, including those who have been vaccinated, to wear masks.

In the largest US metropolis, almost all restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus were lifted back in May. City and state authorities do not want to revisit them, lest they hit the city's budding economy and scare away returning tourists to Manhattan. Most Broadway music halls expected to reopen in September, the same time some companies planned to have employees return to their offices. Earlier this month, the city is planning events for the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. In the second half of September, New York should host the UN General Assembly's high-level week. Some delegations are expected to attend in person.