NEW YORK (AP) — The governor and New York City’s health commissioner are urging people to wear masks in indoor public settings as scientists work to learn more about the newly identified omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday that the state won’t be “defenseless” if everyone wears masks indoors, gets vaccinated, gets tested, washes their hands and stays home when sick. New York City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi says he is recommending that all New Yorkers wear masks at all times when indoors and in a public setting such as offices and stores. The guidance was in line with a federal recommendation from July.
Photo: FILE — Staff at the Modern Museum of Art check visitors’ proof of vaccination in New York, Sept. 13, 2021. New York City’s health commissioner said Monday he is “strongly recommending” that everyone wear masks in indoor public settings as scientists work to learn more about the newly identified omicron variant of COVID-19. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)