Author | Lightnews

Reposted by COVID Advocacy NY

New York State Department of Health @nysdoh.bsky.social · Sep 8

The executive order & legislative solutions will ensure permanent & continuing access to vaccines, including administration of vaccines by health care professionals & insurance coverage. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-executive-order-expanding-access-vaccines-amid-uncertainty-washington

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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · Sep 10

New York Governor Kathy Hochul just sent a letter directing insurers to cover the COVID vaccine and other vaccines.

Governor Hochul Calls on Insurers to Cover Life-saving Vaccines in New York State

Governor Hochul announced new action to protect vaccine access across New York State.

www.governor.ny.gov

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Myra Batchelder @myrabatchelder.bsky.social · Sep 10

"New York officials urging insurance companies to continue covering vaccinations"

www.mynbc5.com/article/new-...

New York officials urging insurance companies to continue covering vaccinations

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the New York State Department of Financial Services sent a letter to insurance companies to encourage them to continue covering vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on...

www.mynbc5.com

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J. Offir, PhD @joffirphd.bsky.social · Sep 8

New Yorkers: Public health actvists & others in NY: pls read this short convo! It appears Costco is refusing to follow Gov. Hochul's PH order regarding covid vax access. If so, I expect many New Yorkers would like to know this, so they can modify their shopping accordingly. Please tag NY covid grps!

2njcats.bsky.social @2njcats.bsky.social · Sep 8

I was just told by Costco that they are still requiring a prescription, no matter the age!

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Gothamist @gothamist.com · Sep 4

Hochul to let pharmacists prescribe COVID vaccines amid federal policy shift https://gothamist.com/news/hochul-to-let-pharmacists-prescribe-covid-vaccines-amid-federal-policy-shift

Hochul to let pharmacists prescribe COVID vaccines amid federal policy shift

Gov. Kathy Hochul visits the Great New York State Fair. An executive order comes as access tightens and lawmakers eye state-level solutions. [ more › ]

gothamist.com

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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · Sep 4

BREAKING: New York Governor Kathy Hochul is set to sign an executive order allowing pharmacists to prescribe and administer Covid-19 vaccines to anyone who requests them, regardless of age or underlying conditions.

VACCINES FOR ALL: Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to sign an executive order allowing pharmacists to prescribe and administer Covid-19 vaccines to New Yorkers who request them, according to plans shared exclusively with Playbook. The Democrat’s executive order will mirror actions taken by other blue state governors this week to protect access to the latest Covid vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration has only granted limited approval of the jab for older adults and individuals considered to be high-risk. That’s prompted Democratic leaders to create their own vaccine guidance and explore ways they can legally protect access to the shot for everyone.

“By signing this EO, Governor Hochul is making it clear that when Washington Republicans play politics with public health, New Yorkers will still be able to make their own health care decisions and get the care they need from trusted providers in their community,” Hochul spokesperson Kara Cumoletti said in a statement to POLITICO.

This morning, POLITICO Pro reported that the Hochul administration is reviewing potential solutions to the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict vaccine access. However, a long-term fix may require legislative changes by lawmakers either through a special session, or when they return to the state Capitol in January.

“This temporary order will ensure seamless access while the Governor works with the Legislature on a long-term solution to safeguard preventive care and vaccines,” Cumoletti added. — Katelyn Cordero

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Myra Batchelder @myrabatchelder.bsky.social · Sep 4

Gov Hochul "is set to sign an executive order allowing pharmacists to prescribe & administer Covid-19 vaccines to [NYers] who request them.. executive order will mirror actions taken by other blue state governors this week to protect access to..latest Covid vaccine" www.politico.com/newsletters/...

Who is Micah Lasher, Nadler’s heir apparent?

www.politico.com

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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · Jul 10

PSA: There’s a difference between wearing a mask or respirator & wearing a gaiter or face covering to disguise identity. It’s important to discern & communicate this nuance because if you don’t, you might encourage elected officials to ban masks for everyone, which would be a public health disaster.

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Myra Batchelder @myrabatchelder.bsky.social · Jul 10

Masks are an essential public health tool to help protect against COVID-19 and more. #NoNYMaskBan

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Jun 25

bsky.app/profile/covi...

COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Nov 19

NYC ACTION: Contact your NYC Council Member & urge them to co-sponsor Int 0332-2024!

This important bill would provide access to free masks, other PPE, & rapid tests through the mail to New Yorkers.

Email them: actionnetwork.org/letters/free...

Call them: council.nyc.gov/districts

Image of white N95 mask on blue background with NYC skyline.

Bill that would provide access to free masks, other PPE, and rapid tests through the mail to New York City residents

TAKE ACTION

URGE YOUR NYC COUNCIL MEMBER TO SUPPORT INT 0332-2024

bit.ly/FreeMaskBillNY

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Jun 25

We agree! At @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social we have been pushing for a free N95 mask program in NYC over past few years, including advocating for NYC Council bill Int 0332-2024 that would set up a free mask program.

New Yorkers, please send an email to City Council actionnetwork.org/letters/free...

actionnetwork.org

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The Sick Times @thesicktimes.org · May 13

National COVID-19 metrics continue to report declines, as the US remains in a moderate lull between winter & summer surges. There are signs of increased disease spread on the West Coast, indicating this region may experience the start of a summer wave before others.

COVID-19 trends: bit.ly/3FgFMQ6

A yellow background and a meter indicating moderate wastewater levels of SARS-CoV-2. The text reads: National COVID-19 metrics continue to report declines, as the U.S. remains in a moderate lull between winter and summer surges. There are signs of increased disease spread on the West Coast, indicating that this region may experience the start of a summer wave before others.

While COVID-19 levels have remained at more moderate levels this spring, the U.S. has faced a record pollen season, and common cold viruses (rhinoviruses and enteroviruses) are also on the upswing. Still, masks, testing, improved ventilation, and other health precautions can help reduce the spread of many airborne health threats, not just COVID-19.

Line chart, titled "Regional SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Concentrations." The X axis represents time, going from January 2024 to May 2025, and the Y axis represents average SARS-CoV-2 levels in wastewater, labeled "effective concentration, copies/mL." The chart includes four lines for the four U.S. regions: West in green, South in pink, Midwest in purple, Northeast in yellow. All four regions experienced surges in winter 2023-'24, summer 2024, and winter 2024-'25, followed by a slow decline through the latest data in early May. The West, which saw a lower winter surge this year, reported a slight increase in viral levels in the latest data.

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World Health Network @thewhn.bsky.social · May 13

"Still masking?" Here's why one health professor hasn't stopped.

Sean Mullen, PhD, used to take risks. He trained in martial arts, traveled frequently, and lived a high-intensity lifestyle. But as research on the long-term effects of COVID-19 emerged, his priorities shifted.

Image featuring a man wearing a 3M Aura N95 mask and a lanyard, standing in front of a projected slide. The text reads:

“Seriously dude? Still masking? Yup. Still.”
One professor’s take on health, identity, and long COVID in a short-sighted world →
Text on the bottom bar:
Read the full piece at whn.global/tag/personal_experiences

Text on white background with pink “Personal Experiences” label. Quote reads:

“So here I am. Still masking. And yes, I still hear it: ‘Dude, seriously? Still?’ Yup. Still. Because the pandemic didn’t end—it just got rebranded.”
— Sean Mullen, PhD

We’re still facing the same virus. But now it’s wrapped in a different narrative, one that ignores science and risk.
He doesn’t buy it. And he’s not alone.

Footer:
Read the full piece at whn.global/tag/personal_experiences

Quote on white background with pink “Personal Experiences” label. Text reads:

“I didn’t change. The world did.”
— Sean Mullen, PhD

Sean wasn’t always this cautious. He trained hard, rolled Jiu Jitsu, traveled often, and drank craft stouts. He lived intensely.
But becoming a dad reshaped his focus. From the now to the long-term. He realized prioritizing your health lets you keep showing up—present, functional, and ready for the future.

Footer:
Read the full piece at whn.global/tag/personal_experiences

Quote on white background with pink “Personal Experiences” label. Text reads:

“The mask doesn’t hide me. It reveals me.”
— Sean Mullen, PhD

For Sean, masking isn’t about isolation—it’s about intention. It shows who he is: someone who values health, responsibility, and the science of long-term well-being. It’s a visible commitment to protecting himself and others, for now and for the future.

Horizontal rainbow-colored line underneath.
Footer:
Read the full piece at whn.global/tag/personal_experiences
Share this post if you’re still masking, too.

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MaskTogetherAmerica @togetherwemask.bsky.social · May 7

Led by Weill Cornell, a stem cell study that looked at infected mini organs (made of pancreatic cells, blood vessel cells & immune cells) reveals how COVID can trigger an immune response that harms the pancreas & trigger Type 1 Diabetes or worsen existing conditions. bit.ly/Cornell_C19P...

Weill Cornell Medicine press release: Study Reveals How COVID-19 Infection Can Cause or Worsen Diabetes
September 13, 2024. Visual: A mini-organ made from human stem cells that includes insulin-producing pancreatic cells (green), blood vessel cells (blue), and immune cells (red). Credit: Liuliu Yang
https://bit.ly/Cornell_C19Pancreas

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Apr 30

COVID-19 is not over.

Everyone has a right to wear a mask.

NY should encourage masking and provide free N95 masks to everyone who needs them.

NY should NOT pass anti-mask policies in the state budget!

#NoNYMaskBan

The Sick Times @thesicktimes.org · Apr 29

While COVID-19 is at more moderate levels now, experts anticipate a surge this summer, followed by likely many more surges as people continue to abandon collective health measures.

This week's COVID-19 trends report: bit.ly/3SaA991

Slide 1: A yellow background and a meter indicating moderate wastewater levels of SARS-CoV-2.

The text reads, "We remain in a moderate period between COVID-19 surges in the U.S., with all national metrics reporting plateaus or slight declines. Some data sources suggest that infections may be starting to go up in parts of the South, but these data are tentative so far. Meanwhile, Trump-appointed health officials are threatening the approval process for COVID-19 vaccines.

While COVID-19 is at more moderate levels now, experts anticipate a surge this summer, followed by likely many more surges as people continue to abandon collective health measures. And U.S. government agencies may make it even harder to access one of the few measures that remains widespread, as the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) introduces new challenges for vaccine developers like Novavax and potentially Pfizer and Moderna, too."

A yellow background and a meter indicating moderate wastewater levels of SARS-CoV-2. Map of the U.S., color-coded by state. The chart is titled, "COVID-19," and text at the top reads: "As of April 22, 2025, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 4 states, declining or likely declining in 20 states, and not changing in 21 states." Four states are shaded in purple for "growing or likely growing": West Virginia, Alabama, Florida, Hawaii. Other states are in green for "declining or likely declining," gray for "not changing," or white for "not estimated."

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Myra Batchelder @myrabatchelder.bsky.social · May 5

New Yorkers, have you called yet? It is outrageous Democrats are working to add a sentencing enhancement for wearing a medical mask while New Yorkers continue to die from COVID-19, be hospitalized, & go on to get #LongCOVID! This whole thing is outrageous and against public health. #NoNYMaskBan

COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · May 5

New Yorkers, keep calling! Tell your electeds not to include any anti-mask legislation in the state budget! Masks should not be criminalized. #NoNYMaskBan

COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Apr 29

New Yorkers, keep calling! #NoNYMaskBan

Find your NYS Senator: www.nysenate.gov/find-my-sena...

Find your NYS Assemblymember: nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: 518-455-3791

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: 518-455-2585

Governor Hochul: 518-474-8390

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · May 5

More info in our #NoNYMaskBan Action Toolkit: covidadvocacyny.org/stopmaskbanny

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · May 5

New Yorkers, keep calling! Tell your electeds not to include any anti-mask legislation in the state budget! Masks should not be criminalized. #NoNYMaskBan

COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Apr 29

New Yorkers, keep calling! #NoNYMaskBan

Find your NYS Senator: www.nysenate.gov/find-my-sena...

Find your NYS Assemblymember: nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: 518-455-3791

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: 518-455-2585

Governor Hochul: 518-474-8390

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Apr 30

New Yorkers, keep calling your NY State Senator and Assemblymember and urge them to speak out against any anti-mask legislation in the state budget!

#NoNYMaskBan

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Apr 30

New Yorkers are still being hospitalized with COVID & still dying from COVID.

People are still getting #LongCOVID.

Masks also help protect against other contagious diseases, wildfire smoke, pollution, allergens, & other health concerns

NY Budget should not include anti-mask policy #NoNYMaskBan

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Jews for Mask Rights @jews4maskrights.bsky.social · May 5

Anti-mask crackdowns will harm vulnerable New Yorkers. Call your state senator ASAP. Tell them to speak up in conference and firmly oppose any budget legislation that penalizes masking.

bsky.app/profile/jews...

Jews for Mask Rights @jews4maskrights.bsky.social · Apr 29

⚠️ URGENT ACTION 4/29:
The budget is NOT final. We need MASSIVE opposition while there's still time.
➡️ Call your reps to get anti-mask language OUT before a vote.
➡️ Ask 3 friends to call too!
Full toolkit + contacts: bit.ly/no-mask-ban
Use the new script below ⬇️

⚠️URGENT CALL TO ACTION 4/29⚠️
STOP ANTI-MASK NY LAW
We need MASSIVE opposition to the proposed budget language while we can still fight it:
CALL your state senator first. See bit.ly/no-mask-ban for full list of contacts.
ASK 3 friends to call to amplify our impact.
“Hi my name is [Name], and I’m calling as a constituent to urge [official] to oppose any policy that penalizes masking in the budget or beyond, including Hochul’s latest update. This law will be largely used against BIPOC, undocumented, and disabled New Yorkers. In a moment of rising authoritarianism, Dems must not allow policies that attack our civil liberties.”
Tell us what they say: bit.ly/mask-ban-debrief

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Jews for Mask Rights @jews4maskrights.bsky.social · May 5

Both Trump and @governor.ny.gov are pushing anti-mask policies. Far-right media is celebrating Hochul’s plan because it will increase punishments for “obstructing traffic.” How can Democrats expect voters to trust them to oppose Trump when they’re signing on to his playbook?

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · May 1

New York Doctors Coalition, New York State Academy of Family Physicians, New York State American Academy of Pediatrics, & over 300 physicians & other healthcare & public health workers voiced their opposition to NY's proposed mask bans earlier this year. #NoNYMaskBan
www.nydocs.org/our-work/no-...

New York Doctors - No Mask Ban

March 26th, 2025 The Honorable Kathy Hochul Governor of New York State NYS State Capitol Building Albany, NY 12224 Mayor Eric Adams City Hall New York, NY 10007 Assemblywoman Amy Paulin Legislative...

www.nydocs.org

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · Apr 29

New Yorkers, have you left a voicemail yet for your NY State Senator, Assemblymember, Governor Hochul, Senate Majority Leader, and Assembly Speaker tonight urging them NOT to support any anti-mask policies in the state budget?

Leave them a voicemail and then call again tomorrow!

#NoNYMaskBan

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COVID Advocacy NY @covidadvocacyny.bsky.social · May 1

New Yorkers, keep calling your NY State Senator and Assemblymember! They're trying to wear us down, but we've already gotten them to shift their mask ban policy. Our pushback is working! Keep going!

#NoNYMaskBan

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