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21:12 GMT
NEW YORK, June 23 (KUNA) -- New York's governor has announced the expiry of 15 month-long coronavirus emergency state on Thursday, almost after a week of easing most of the virus related restrictions amid sharp drop in infections and hospitalizations.
"Now we're starting to write a new chapter for a post-COVID New York-- the state disaster emergency is ending and we can focus on reimaging, rebuilding and renewing our state," Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said in a press conference on Wednesday.
"This doesn't mean COVID is gone, we still have to get more New Yorkers vaccinated, but we are getting back on track and starting to live life once again."
He, however, noted the federal CDC guidance will remain in effect, which includes masks for unvaccinated individuals, as well as all riders on public transit and in certain settings, such as health care, nursing homes, correctional facilities, and homeless shelters.
The decision was taken after a remarkable progress in the fight against the virus, with the success in vaccination rates, and declining hospitalization.
It is another welcome sign of the state's steady march back toward normalcy after more than 53,000 deaths linked to the virus. (end)
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