NEW YORK — Although she’s fully vaccinated, Leah Thode says her mask is not coming off.

The Crown Heights resident agrees with the new Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance recommending people wear masks indoors in areas with high cases of the coronavirus, regardless of vaccination status.


What You Need To Know

  • According to city data, Crown Heights, in the 11213 zip code, has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the five boroughs

  • Health officials are sounding the alarm due to a surge in cases, the rise of the delta variant and low vaccination rates in some areas

  • The CDC also says teachers, administrative staff, and students should wear a mask when returning to the classroom regardless of vaccination status

“It’s not over,” Thode said. “To keep it at the level that it’s at and not have it spread is the best recommendation so I’m gonna follow it.”

Health officials are sounding the alarm due to a surge in cases, the rise of the delta variant and low vaccination rates in some areas.

According to city data, Crown Heights, in the 11213 zip code, has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the five boroughs.

Phil Maillard says he is vaccinated, but thinks some people distrust the vaccine in the neighborhood.

“Social media and misinformation have confused people not to trust government, which is plausible, but the other thing is do you trust your own instincts?” he said. “Do you do your own research? Do you figure out stuff yourself without taking things verbatim?”

The CDC also updated guidance on schools, saying teachers, administrative staff and students should wear a mask when returning to the classroom regardless of vaccination status

Zhongke Lin took his 13-year-old son Carson to get the vaccine Tuesday ahead of the new school year and agreed masks should still be worn.

“It’s not about personal choice,” he said. “It’s about protecting your kid about what’s unknown.”

Maria Wynter lives in Brownsville, another neighborhood with a low vaccination rate.

“I can’t force anybody to do it they have to wanna do it, but I’m from Jamaica. We’ve been getting vaccinated from a small age coming out,” Wynter said. “For me, a vaccine is a vaccine. And it’s to protect you and your family and others. I say, great, go for it.”

It’s up to local health authorities whether to enforce the CDC guidance.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday the state was reviewing the new recommendations closely.

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