Yesterday, Nov. 29, New York City reinstituted its mask advisory, strongly encouraging New Yorkers to wear masks indoors and in all public settings, regardless of vaccination status. This news comes in response to the emergence of the coronavirus omicron variant.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi said that the omicron variant has not yet been detected in New York, and they reinforced the notion that vaccinations are still the most important tool in slowing down the spread of COVID-19.

Although New York is encouraging the use of masks in public settings, like at grocery stores or in building lobbies, offices and retail stores, the city has stopped short of mandating them.