By: BRYAN ROMBOT/ Staff Writer
May the City of New York be so kind as to open up? (Photo from CNN)
The Coronavirus is still clinging around our civilization like gum on a shoe but there’s now a light at the end of the tunnel. The CDC has just softened its mask mandates for those who are vaccinated.
If fully vaccinated you can:
Do outdoor exercises (running, biking, and other light exercises) with members of one’s household WITHOUT a mask.
Attend small gatherings with friends and family WITHOUT a mask.
Dine outdoors WITHOUT a mask.
Attend larger gatherings or sports events WITHOUT a mask.
Keeping in mind these recent changes to mask-wearing policies, Seawanhaka asked members of the LIU community the following questions:
What do you think of the mask mandate easing up outdoors?
Do you think now is a good time to ease up on the mask mandate?
Will you be getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
William A.
Q: What do you think of the mask mandate easing up outdoors?
A: I think it’s not as concerning because it’s been so long. It’s not like it’s new. People have been easing up on mask mandates everywhere. Personally, I don’t know what to think about it so I keep my mask on and listen to people’s orders, that’s all.
Q: Do you think that now is a good time to ease up on the mask mandate?
A: I think it only makes sense that you would want to wear your mask in large gatherings, but I would think that the people who have been unvaccinated like myself would like to keep their masks on. You never know who can still catch it, or if you might create another strain, or if the strain is within you. People are getting restless, and all I can say is that I have no real opinion about it; people are going to do what they’re going to do.
Q: Will you be getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: I would say, at one point or another, I’m going to. I thought about getting it, but I haven't thought much about booking an appointment to go and get one. I just haven’t had the time to do so.
Hyesh T.
Q: What do you think of the mask mandate easing up outdoors?
A: I think we have a large amount of COVID-19 cases recently and some people are even calling it “the fourth wave.” Even though some people are being vaccinated, it's still a risk for those who aren’t vaccinated. I don’t think that they should’ve lifted the mask mandate that soon because people who didn’t want to wear their mask will use these rules as an excuse not to wear a mask from now on.
Q: Do you think that now is a good time to ease up on the mask mandate?
A: No, because I don’t think it’s good to rush. Like I said, there’s still a lot of people who aren’t vaccinated and who have a hard time getting vaccinated. I’ve tried to call many times to make an appointment and it’s not easy. New York is a very dense place so even if you’re outside, you’re likely to be near people. I’m still wearing my mask and people should go get vaccinated, but I don’t think they should take their masks off any time soon.
Q: Will you be getting the COVID-19 vaccination?
A: I think the COVID-19 vaccine won’t be a problem for me. I don’t think I’ll get any side effects and I’ve seen people with actual heart issues and other medical issues get the vaccine and be completely fine, so I will do it. Yes, I'm going to take the vaccine.
Maya V.
Q: What do you think of the mask mandate easing up outdoors?
A: Outside, I feel a little iffy about it. I think I’ve just grown accustomed to feeling safe outside, you know, just having a mask on. Inside’s a different story because depending on who you’re with, you know who’s vaccinated or not, whereas outside, you really have no clue, so I would just rather have it on.
Q: Do you think that now is a good time to ease up on the mask mandate?
A: In general, I would say “no” because there’s still less people that want to be vaccinated now. That in combination with people not wearing masks is a recipe for another flare and it’ll give people the impression that COVID-19 is no longer a thing. For the state, I would say I would be a little more lenient only because I know New York State specifically has done a good job in trying to get as many people vaccinated. So if they’re that confident that they can do those sorts of measures, then I would say we can slowly, but surely start implementing some kind of no-mask procedures.
Q:Will you be getting the COVID-19 vaccination?
A: Yeah, I’ve been vaccinated already.
Cherene T.
Q: What do you think of the mask mandate easing up outdoors?
A: I think it’s okay, I guess because most people are getting vaccinated.
Q: Do you think that now is a good time to ease up on the mask mandate?
A: They’ve been pushing vaccinations, so as long as people are getting vaccinated, I think it’s alright.
Q: Will you be getting the COVID-19 vaccination?
A: I’ve already had my vaccination.
David X.
Q: What do you think about the mask mandate easing up outdoors?
A: As of right now, I feel like we should still continue [wearing masks]. Easing up on masks is kind of too early right now. You never know who may be traveling or who may be spreading [the virus].
Q: Do you think that now is a good time to ease up on the mask mandate?
A: Not really, because according to Dr. Fauci, we still have high numbers of COVID-19 cases, and we’re not up to that point where the COVID-19 will flat line across the country. I still think mask mandates should still be required, even though the vaccine has come out.
Q: Will you be getting the COVID-19 vaccination?
A: I’ve already been vaccinated.
Megan Y.
Q: What do you think of the mask mandate easing up outdoors?
A: I think that’s fine because they are pushing for vaccinations and everyone is getting vaccinated. I think outside is fine, but inside there should still be masks.
Q: Do you think that now is a good time to ease up on masks?
A: Now that they are pushing for vaccinations and there’s been a lot of people getting vaccinated in New York City alone, I think it’s a good time to start to move forward from that.
Q: Will you be getting the COVID-19-19 vaccination?
A: I have already gotten it.
As mask mandates are lifted, New Yorkers are getting a taste of a post-COVID-19 return to “normalcy”. Despite the hesitancy one may feel about mask mandates easing up in New York, the one thing that can alleviate this insecurity is getting vaccinated as it is crucial to feeling more secure against the virus and safeguarding loved ones.
For those seeking information about vaccinations available in the United States, please see here.
To see a list of helpful FAQs on vaccine safety, please click here.
For those seeking to make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccination:
Text your zip code to 438829 or,
Call 1-800-232-0233
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