Hochul won’t renew pandemic emergency powers

Gov. Hochul says she won’t be renewing the pandemic emergency powers when they expire at the end of the day Monday.

Hochul says the powers were good to secure the vaccines and resources needed for mass vaccination sites, but says we’re in a different place now.

“We’re watching the numbers. Right now, we’re feeling comfortable that we can suspend them,” said Hochul. “I want to make sure New Yorkers know that if circumstances change, I’ll make sure that I have all the tools necessary to protect their health.”

Hochul is encouraging everyone to get the new booster shots that are specifically targeted towards the Omicron variant.