New York has ended the obligation to wear a mask on public transport to protect against COVID-19, 28 months after the decision came into force.
The news was announced by the governor, Kathy Hochul, who said that masks will no longer be required either at airports or in cars, the BBC reported on Wednesday.
New York introduced the measure in April 2020, at the time when the coronavirus was spreading the most.
Governor Hochul has said that wearing a mask will now be optional, citing guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"We must restore normality in our lives. The use of masks is encouraged but optional," said Hochul.
She added that New York is in a strong position, as infections and hospitalizations have fallen.
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Hochul also said that requests for masks have been withdrawn for the homeless and prisoners.
Despite this, they are still required in nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
