Geddes, N.Y. — Attendees at the 2021 New York State Fair won’t have to provide proof of vaccination against Covid-19 to get in or go maskless, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.
Fully vaccinated people won’t have to wear masks. The state is asking those who are unvaccinated to wear masks, but the fair will operate on the honor system only.
“I think during this period of Covid people have acted honorably and graciously and with integrity,” Cuomo said during a press conference at the fairgrounds. “If you’re not vaccinated, there will be signs that say wear a mask if you are not vaccinated and I believe people will respect that.”
Cuomo announced today that the fair will reopen at 100% capacity outdoors. Buildings will still have capacity limits to maintain social distancing.
READ MORE: New York State Fair to reopen at 100% capacity outdoors, Cuomo says
The fair runs from Aug. 20 to Sept. 6. This year will be the first time the event runs for 18 days.
The fair’s most popular buildings will open, including the Dairy Products Building, Center of Progress and the Eatery, previously known as the International Building.
Most vendors are returning. Llama, goat, horse, beef and dairy cattle shows will all return as well.
The fair will also include a fine arts exhibition.
Cuomo said in April that the fair would return in a more limited fashion at 50% capacity and with separate zones organized around specific activities.
But the situation has continued to improve since then and things are good enough to justify a fuller return of the fair, Cuomo said today.
“When the facts change, then change your strategy,” he said. “This has been an evolving, changing situation all along.”
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