New York drops mask requirement on public transportation NEW YORK (AP) — New York state is dropping its mask requirement on public transportation thanks in part to the availability of new booster shots targeting the most common strain of COVID-19, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday. AP NEWS

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Masks will be encouraged but not required on buses and trains including the New York City subway system, Hochul said.

Covid-19 Pandemic Timeline Fast Facts Read CNN's Fast Facts about the coronavirus outbreak, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. CNN Editorial Research CNN

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(CNN) Here's a look at the coronavirus outbreak, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The coronavirus, called Covid-19 by WHO, originated in China and is the cousin of the SARS virus.

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After backlash, Beijing drops COVID vaccination mandate for crowded venues

BEIJING, July 8 (Reuters) - Beijing's city government has dropped plans to allow only vaccinated people to enter crowded venues such as libraries, cinemas and gyms from Monday, following a strong online backlash to the measure announced earlier this week.

The mandatory requirement would have marked a rare move in China, where the central government insists on voluntary vaccination and has quickly overruled other attempts by front-line officials to issue compulsory vaccination directives.

Russia scraps remaining COVID restrictions Russia said on Friday it was ending all restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19, including the requirement to wear masks, citing a steady decline in deaths from the virus. Reuters Reuters

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