New York Governor Kathy Hochul is continuing to review the extension of the state’s mask mandate as the number of new COVID-19 infections continues to slow.

Kathy Whyte/ WNBF News
Kathy Whyte/ WNBF News
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The Democrat told reporters February 7 during a briefing that an announcement could come Wednesday, February 9 concerning the indoor mask mandate that is due to expire on Friday. The state is also looking at mask mandates in schools that are due to expire on February 21 unless extended. The re-evaluation was promised as the Governor extended the mandate last month while legal challenges continue to make their way through the state’s high court.

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Governor Hochul, State Attorney General Letitia James and state health officials put a lot of credit on requiring masks be worn indoors in public spaces for helping to curb the spread of the highly contagious omicron variant, which led to a big post-holiday spike in cases.

New York’s new infections February 7 were reported at 3,795. A week ago, new infections statewide were 5,115 while a month ago, the state reported 79,777 new infections on January 7. New York reported 90 new deaths February 7.

The number of new infections, however is still much higher than a year ago.

Broome, Chenango and Cortland County new infections are in the double digits this week, while triple digits had been the norm for Broome County for months.  Chenango County February 7 showed two new deaths for a total of 110. Delaware had one new fatality, bringing its death toll to 68.

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