Mask Mandate For Students Outdoors 'A Little Extreme': Cuomo

LONG ISLAND, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo responded Wednesday to the rallies being held statewide to demand children be allowed to unmask in schools: He said that while New York follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that require masks in school until the end of the school year, "The mask mandate outside for students seems a little extreme to me. We're talking to the CDC about it."

Also on Wednesday, Cuomo announced that New York currently has the lowest positivity rate of any state in the nation, with a seven-day average of 0.64 percent. "The people of New York did it," he said. Wednesday's positivity rate stood at 0.61 percent statewide; there have been 58 straight days of decline, Cuomo said.

A total of 57.3 percent of New Yorkers are fully vaccinated, with 65 percent having received one dose, according to state data.

First vaccination scholarship winners

The focus remains on vaccinating 12- to 17-year-olds, who represent the smallest group of New York's vaccinated at 9.5 percent.

A number of initiatives have been unveiled to incentivize vaccinations, including a free, four-year scholarship raffle. A total of 45,883 teens have been vaccinated statewide since the scholarship raffle was announced, Cuomo said.

The first 10 winners of the $100,000 scholarship were announced Wednesday with one winner, Hannah Lee of Westbury, from Long Island. The raffle continues through July 7, with 10 winners each week. To apply, click here.

Mets ramp up seating for vaccinated

With a focus on living, not just surviving, Cuomo said vaccinations are key. Some venues, including Radio City Music Hall, will require all guests to be vaccinated, to allow for full capacity.

The New York Mets have announced that at home games, 90 percent of seats will go to vaccinated people, beginning on Friday, June 11, when the Mets face-off with the Padres, Cuomo said. He added that other sports venues, movie theaters and restaurants are likely to follow suit.