Uber and Lyft ditch their mask requirement in New York

According to Uber and Lyft, passengers and drivers in New York are no longer required to wear masks. “With NYC’s updated mask policy for transportation, masks are now optional on Lyft rides,” a Lyft spokesperson told Engadget. “We are in the process of updating the app to reflect this.” Uber notified users of the policy change via email.

The move follows Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to lift a mask mandate on public transit on Wednesday. The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission also announced that face coverings are no longer mandatory in vehicles it oversees, although it still is highly recommended wear masks. Face coverings are also no longer required on the subway.

After a federal judge overturned a statewide mask mandate on public transit in April, both Uber and Lyft dropped their US mask requirements. However, in some areas, including New York, drivers and drivers were still required to wear masks depending on local regulations. (Engadget also asked Lyft about its masking policy in New York.)

The number of COVID-19 cases has fallen in NYC since a sixth wave hit the city in July. The New York Times Remarks. Though she lifted the mask mandate, Hochul encouraged state residents to get a booster shot that targets the Omicron variant. The Food and Drug Administration approved Omicron vaccines last month.