The statewide indoor mask mandate has been lifted today, but those in New York City should keep a few things in mind before heading out the door mask-less.

Mayor Eric Adams says he would still like New Yorkers in the city to continue to wear masks when indoors or in crowded spaces. No timeline has been given if that will change.

On a statewide level, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday the indoor mask mandate across the state will be dropped. The mandate was put in place back in December when the state saw a surge in COVID cases following the Omicron variant. That mandate will still be in effect for schools, health care and correctional facilities as well as concentrated areas like mass transit.

The governor says it is ultimately up to county, city governments and individual businesses to decide what they think is best. Gov. Hochul says she feels the continued drop in infection rates shows that it's safe. Between Sunday and Tuesday, the 7-day average positivity rate dropped from 2.88 % to 2.61%. The White House has shown some concern over lifted mandates, however.

As for schools, Hochul says test kits will continue to be handed out over winter break. If the numbers look good on March 4, the mask mandate in schools could be lifted by March 7.