As Governor Andrew Cuomo promised, most COVID restrictions blow away today after New Yorker hit the 70% adult vaccination rate. Worth fireworks? You got ’em. The launched across the state, last night.
By David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
COVID Restrictions Blown Away
Restrictions fell away on capacity, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screenings, and contact tracing information. But they remain optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, personal care services, real estate, child care, movie theaters and other commercial settings.
Masks are still required on public transportation, at pre-K through grade-12 schools, in nursing homes, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, schools, and health care facilities.
But fireworks…
Yes, Governor Cuomo announced fireworks at 9:15 in ten places around the state, including New York Harbor.

Image from Governor Cuomo’s presentation today.
Rockets also hit the sky not far away in Nyack and Jones Beach.
And that’s not all.
Thirteen landmarks will also light up in New York State colors, blue and gold. Those include the World Trade Center, the Empire State Building and Grand Central.
New York’s coming back out as COVID restrictions blow away.
Enjoy.
Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Keeping Steady Through City Currents: How Roosevelt Island Residents Stay ConnectedNew York’s shifting news often impacts daily routines on the island. Discover how Roosevelt Island residents stay connected through city changes and local events.
- Neighborhood Notes: Weekly Changes and Community Moments Across Roosevelt Island and BeyondNeighborhood notes on weekly changes and community moments across Roosevelt Island and neighboring areas, including emergency response, community events, new developments, and local reflections.
- Queens Neighborhood Developments Through a Roosevelt Island LensDiscover recent Queens neighborhood developments through a Roosevelt Island perspective—including local safety, rezoning, community responses, and campaign updates.
- How Community Connections Shape Daily Life Between Roosevelt Island and QueensDiscover how community connections shape daily life between Roosevelt Island and Queens, from public safety to local events, culture, business openings, and neighborhood milestones.
- June on Roosevelt Island: Crowds, Celebration, and Quiet MomentsJune on Roosevelt Island brings city crowds, neighborhood celebrations, and reflective moments that shape our community life. Discover how these rhythms impact daily life this June.
Air Doesn’t Have an Address
The Roosevelt Island Steam Plant fight has reached a new stage: DOB has agreed to a site walkthrough, ArchRI says it is bringing independent engineers and architects, and four elected officials have formally asked RIOC to create a Community Advisory Group (CAG) for the project.











Thanks for the info! Will we be able to see visible fireworks from the island tonight?
Probably not. It’s in the harbor, but if you can get downtown or to Brooklyn on the F, it’s right there.