Mask rules eased for vaccinated Americans, this week. The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued new guidance, just as local COVID infection rates fell to near 1%.
By David Stone
First the good news…
Recovering from a rough stretch, Roosevelt Island COVID infection rates tumbled to 1.03% for the week ending April 25th. That’s a 7-day rolling average.
At the same time, the city rate was 3.6%, and for Manhattan, it was 1.44%.
Roosevelt Island was not in the top ten, even for Manhattan Zip Codes, but it was a refreshing change in the right direction.
And then the encouraging news… mask rules eased…
For most outdoor activities, the CDC declared many activities safe for you as long as you’re fully vaccinated. That means, among other things, that you can tuck your face mask in your pocket when you go out for a walk, although social distancing and masks are still recommended when mixing with the unvaccinated.
As an aid, the CDC published this helpful chart for understanding the new guidelines:
The Daily thanks Nina Lublin for the tip on these and other charts…
While this is a relief for many of us, common sense dictates continuing extra caution. That is, if you’re uncertain whether mask wearing or social distancing applies in any situation, go with the mask.
And, sadly, we can’t assume that others going maskless are vaccinated because those who always cheated will continue endangering their neighbors.
Face mask guidance may change, but some people never will.
Latest from the Roosevelt Island Daily
Racing the Storm, East River, Roosevelt Island, New York City, Fine Art Photography Print
©Deborah Julian. All rights reserved.
How Queens News Ripples Quietly Into Roosevelt Island Life
Discover how Queens news ripples quietly into Roosevelt Island life, connecting neighborhoods through shared stories, transit updates, and community events.
Keep reading
A Week of Resilience and Community Connections on Roosevelt Island
Explore this week’s stories of resilience and community connections on Roosevelt Island. From local incidents to major city events and cultural milestones, discover how neighbors support each other through change.
Keep reading
A Weekend in Our Patchwork City: Steady Hands and Small Moments on Roosevelt Island
A weekend in our patchwork city showed how Roosevelt Island neighbors come together through steady attention, community care, and life’s small moments.
Keep reading
Queens Court Updates and Community Continuity: How Steady Effort Shapes Roosevelt Island Life
Queens court updates and community continuity take center stage this week, highlighting steady civic efforts, recent legal cases, housing concerns, and everyday life on Roosevelt Island.
Keep reading
Keeping Pace With Queens and Roosevelt Island: Everyday Stories and Community Resilience
Keeping pace with Queens and Roosevelt Island means seeing how daily life, local events, and community resilience shape our neighborhoods and routines.
Keep reading
How Recent Events in Queens Affect Roosevelt Island Life
How recent events in Queens affect Roosevelt Island life and shape our everyday routines, from crime and city developments to new openings and local gatherings.
Keep readingSomething went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Howard Polivy, the Man Who Never Left
There is a particular rhythm to board meetings. Once you have sat through enough of them, they begin to blend together. The agenda appears. The minutes are approved.
