New York City is open, and vaccinations have been a boon for everyday life and local businesses. However, Covid-19 is still a reality. Here you will find all the current and most relevant information about the five boroughs. There are also plenty of resources to help you plan ahead.
NYC Updates
On September 7, 2022 Governor Kathy Hochul lifted New York City’s mandate that masks be worn on public transit. However, masks are still strongly recommended for subways, buses, and trains. In December 2022, the NYC Department of Health put out an NY.gov.
Vaccinations
All age groups are eligible for vaccinations. As of June 22, 2022, children between 6 and 5 years old can get them. All are eligible to receive boosters, including the bivalent. (See more below). City Hall removed the mandate to vaccinate all New York City private employers in September 2022. This was a policy that had been in effect since December 2018. It left it up to the employers to decide how they want to implement the policy.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all children aged 5 and over receive a booster shot after they have received a two-course Moderna or Pfizer vaccination and after two months of receiving a single Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine. Adults 50 years and older should also get a booster shot. It should be administered at least four months after their first booster. The booster should be an mRNA vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer). For more information, visit cdc.gov.
Masking
Mask wearing is encouraged in public spaces, including indoors, and on public transport, as the mandates have been lifted. The mandate may be implemented by businesses, but the mask requirement for health-care facilities remains in force.
Broadway
Broadway shows are now back on the schedule. The Broadway League launched BwayToday.com to assist consumers. It features updated schedules for all Broadway shows. You can also access the website of each Broadway show from this resource. All listings reflect cancellations and include up-to-date information about performance times.
Nearly all Broadway theatres in New York City have stopped requiring vaccinations to be administered to audience members. Masks are no longer required for audiences in theaters, but they are encouraged. There are exceptions, such as for sitting in Broadway.org has more information.
MTA
NYC’s subway service continues with 24 hour service. Although mask-wearing is not required in this system, it is strongly recommended. For more information, please visit MTA.info.
International Travel
International travelers can now enter the country once more to visit New York City, effective November 8, 2021. Travelers over 18 years old must be fully vaccinated. Two weeks after the second doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, or two weeks following the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine dose, full vaccination is required. You also qualify for vaccines approved by FDA or WHO to be used in an emergency, such as AstraZeneca.
Testing Requirements
Inbound international travelers no longer need to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test result as of June 12, 2022. For more information, visit .cdc.gov.
Nonessential and essential travelers entering the States via land or sea borders must show proof of vaccination. This page will be updated as new requirements arise.
For the most current information on international travel requirements, please visit Cdc.gov.
How to get vaccinated
All US residents over 6 months old are eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations in NYC. Bosters are also available and highly recommended, including domestic visitors to the five boroughs.
There are many options to get vaccinated.
- This comprehensive vaccine-finder Tool is available in New York City. It is updated on an ongoing basis and includes links to local pharmacies and vaccination centers.
- To schedule an appointment or for additional information, call 877-VAX-4NYC (8877-829-4692)
- Many locations in the five boroughs now offer walk-up appointments. These can be viewed.
- New York State has several vaccination centres. One of them is located at Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens. Book an appointment (and take note that it is now closed permanently as of June 30, 2022).
- You can also view other appointments across the country using the CDC’s vaccination-finder tool.
The City has a limited number (of pop-up vaccine hubs) in five boroughs. These locations are located near parks and transit stops. nyc.gov has a list and more information.
How to get tested
Covid-19 testing can be found in New York City. There are many resources that can help you schedule PCR or rapid antigen tests.
- New York City has this comprehensive testing site. It includes a searchable map showing all locations for testing within the five boroughs and basic information about the tests.
- New York State’s Covid-19 testing webpage also contains a searchable list of testing locations throughout the five boroughs.
- NYC Health & Hospitals website provides information about walk-in testing and locations that allow pre-registration.
- Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp offer testing options.
- Many pharmacies offer Covid-testing options that are convenient, such as CVS or Walgreens.
