The city’s health department strongly recommends that New Yorkers masquerade in public indoors this festive weekend and get tested before meeting their loved ones, especially if you are unaware of their vaccination status. The warning comes as many Broadway theaters prepare to ease their own vaccine requirements It was a quiet Friday at a COVID test scene in Times Square, but Jared MacFarlane remained diligent. He was one of the few to be examined there in anticipation of the holiday weekend. “Since I’ve seen an increase in numbers in New York, I’m just trying to be on my P and Qs and see a girlfriend for her 30th birthday today, so I do not want it to be a celebration ruined by COVID,” he said. MacFarlane on CBS2’s Ali Bauman. The city’s health department is urging New Yorkers to get tested before and after attending any rallies this weekend and “definitely before choosing to remove your mask at a festive gathering.”
FIND TEST LOCATIONS: Click here to locate New York test sites, including mobile and home dating sites City Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan told CBS2 Marcia Kramer earlier in the week: “Make sure you are negative when you enter your family reunion and, of course, get tested in the next few days to make sure you have not been exposed. . “ While New York is still on low alert for COVID, cases are on the rise. Cases of # COVID19 are on the rise across New York. According to our latest data, five neighborhoods have a positive rate of over 10%, and four of the five are in Manhattan. See all data: pic.twitter.com/1AvxWTlAel – nychealthy (@nycHealthy) April 14, 2022 The latest data show that five neighborhoods have a positive rate of over 10%, four of which are in Manhattan. “Personally, at the moment, I do not feel very likely to get COVID, but, you know, I do not want to spread it to people who are more vulnerable than me,” said MacFarlane. VACCINE FOR COVID Meanwhile, some restrictions on COVID in Broadway theaters could be eased in late April. The Broadway League announced on Friday that many of its 41 cinemas may no longer need proof of vaccination after April 30. The League, however, extends the current mask requirement to the public at least until May 31st. READ MORE: Broadway League extends mask mandate until late May “I think masks help us feel relatively safe,” said John Kim, of California. “Whatever it takes to keep theaters open so we can continue to enjoy the show,” said Seattle-based Stephanie Owens. Wendy Campbell, from Canada, said getting rid of the vaccine could keep her away from the theater. “Depending on what the show was about,” he said. “As seniors, I think we need to have that extra security.” PANDEMIA OF KORONODOS Broadway coverage protocols for the summer will be announced in May. For the holiday weekend, the health commissioner recommends that you get tested 24-48 hours after gathering with loved ones. More Ali Bauman Ali Bauman joined CBS2 News as a general affairs reporter in 2016. Ali is a proud millennial who embraces social media for storytelling to bring news to a new generation of viewers.