Gov says time to unmask

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on June 15 that Covid-19 restrictions would be lifted, since 70 percent of New Yorkers 18 and older have received their first vaccination. East Meadow residents were more than happy to weigh in on the decision.

“I think it’s refreshing to know a majority of New Yorkers are choosing science,”  Lauren Giacalone, of East Meadow said. “I will trust science and get the vaccine rather than be skeptical just so I can have life go back to normal.”

Rosalie Smith, of East Meadow said she remains hopeful that “herd” immunity will bring normalcy back and hopes that those who do get the vaccine will not suffer from any side effects.

“I was reluctant to get the vaccine and still wonder what the vaccine can do, will do to me and my 17-year-old daughter,” she said. “It’s frightening to hear horror stories of young people, healthy people developing blood clots and at times losing the battle. My daughter was basically forced to get the vaccine if she wanted to dorm for college.”

Sue Cuttone, who also lives in East Meadow, said that she believes the governor’s announcement is offering a false sense of security.

“I think that having a threshold of 70 percent for one dose doesn’t mean much; it should be based on being fully vaccinated,” she said. “I think they are trying to make it look like we met goals that really weren’t goals to begin with.”

Businesses, including gyms, retail, offices and hair salons, among others, will now decide what protocols they wish to put in place. Before the governor’s announcement, there were  social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, and cleaning and disinfection requirements.

Giacalone said she doesn’t agree with the governor’s decision, though she can see why it was make. “I feel like the public is in such a rush to reopen and that puts government in a tough position to deny that,” she said. “I am still excited to return back to some normalcy though.”

The state is requiring those that have not received the Covid vaccine continue to wear masks, which is in accordance with the Centers For Disease Control guidelines. The state’s health guidelines will continue at large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings per CDC guidelines.