COVID-19 vaccine mandate is easing up in New York Universities. New York's public university systems, the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) have announced that the student vaccination mandate will be dropped by the end of May. The move comes as a result of significant progress made in the battle against COVID-19 and is consistent with the federal government's plan to end the public health emergency.
Both SUNY and CUNY have issued joint declarations that the student vaccination mandate will end on the last day of the spring semester, roughly around May 23, allowing students to enroll in classes regardless of their vaccination status, starting with the summer sessions.
New York Universities To End Student Vaccination Mandate
According to the New York Post, SUNY Chancellor John King stated that the safety of SUNY's students is their first and foremost priority despite easing restrictions from the virus. The university is well aware that COVID-19 is no longer an emergency and pledges that even if it is, they will not lose sight of the impact it continues to have on its students and school staff.
SUNY's Chancellor, John King, mentioned that they would closely monitor COVID-19 cases and make necessary changes. Their main priority is the safety of students, but they will also focus on improving the overall health and wellness support provided to them.
Likewise, according to CUNY's Chancellor, Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, they are confident that now is the appropriate time to remove the COVID vaccine mandate for enrollment or employment.
However, they continue to urge students, faculty, and staff to keep up with their vaccinations. The university has also committed to working closely with state and city health officials to determine the next steps, which marks a significant milestone in CUNY's efforts to combat the pandemic.
Biden Signs Legislation Ending COVID-19 Emergency Declaration
According to NBC, the decision was made by President Joe Biden to terminate the coronavirus emergency declaration that was initially put in place by former President Donald Trump in March 2020. This move was made just one day prior to the announcement by New York universities that they would be dropping the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students.
The national emergency ended a month earlier than anticipated by the Biden administration, while a separate public health emergency linked to COVID-19 will continue until May 11th.
Despite New York City being one of the hotspots for the virus during the height of the pandemic, the city is now trying to bounce back from the virus, and the lifting of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate is one proof of that.
New York City was gravely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the death toll skyrocketing at some point. However, with the vaccine rollouts and safety measures in place, the city is making progress in combating the virus.
SUNY and CUNY lifting the COVID-19 vaccine mandate will allow students to enroll in classes regardless of their vaccination status.
While both universities will continue to monitor cases and make adjustments as needed, this move marks a major milestone in their fight against the pandemic.
