The populous city of New York City, NY (NYC) is home to over 8 million people,  so when a worldwide pandemic breaks out, given that big cities are not the best place to be, NYC is bound to put their all into protecting its citizens. As soon as the COVID-19 vaccine came out, New York citizens were on top of staying safe and prioritizing getting all of the shots. This rush to get vaccinated was in part motivated by NYC’s requirement to show a vaccination card when going into restaurants, shops, or anywhere in public as of early September last year.

Now, is the vaccination helping anything and is the vaccine mandate worth it? A question that has many different answers.“Statewide Indoor Business Mask or Vaccine Requirement to be Lifted Starting February 10, Remains Optional for Businesses, Local Governments, Counties Masks Will Still Be Required In Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Shelters, Transportation and Other Related Entities Requirements Related To Masks in Schools Continue and Will Be Reevaluated in Early March, After Mid-Winter Break, Based on Public Health Data.” Although the mask mandate is still in almost full effect, the vaccination policies are being lifted and are not as strict as last year. For example, businesses have the right to decide whether or not they are enforcing the vaccination card rule. These updates will give more control to business and people on how they want to handle the situation.