Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics state health officials Fri., May 13, recommended indoor mask-wearing for New Yorkers in high-risk counties for COVID-19 as case counts have increased over the last several weeks. There are now 45 counties in the state deemed to be high risk for COVID transmission, an increase from 36 counties a week ago, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Greene. Columbia, Ulster, Albany, Rensselaer and Dutchess counties are all now deemed to be at high risk. Sixteen counties are designated as being at medium risk, according to the CDC. Mask-wearing indoors is also recommended for people who are personally at high risk for the virus. The seven-day average of cases per 100,000 residents stands at 49.26, an increase from 34.5 cases per 100,000 on April 28. State Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said, “In accordance with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we recommend that all New Yorkers in high-risk COVID-19 counties and all New Yorkers at-risk of severe disease wear a mask in public indoor places, regardless of vaccination status. These public health measures, as well as ensuring proper air ventilation when gathering, will help reduce COVID-19 transmission in communities and lower the risk of serious illness and hospitalization for individuals. We will continue to work with local partners and make every tool at our disposal widely available to New Yorkers, as we move forward through the pandemic.” While statewide indoor mask requirements for businesses, schools, and other public gathering spaces have been dropped, they remain in place for mass transit, jails and health care settings as well as homeless shelters. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.