The mask-or-vax mandate for indoor venues is being extended to Feb. 10, Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday.

It was originally set to expire on Feb. 1, although Hochul has repeatedly said she may extend it, depending on coronavirus metrics.

The school-mask mandate is also staying in place until New York’s middle-level court reaches a decision.

On extending the mandate for businesses to either require masks or proof of vaccination, Hochul said, “That has been a critical tool in driving those numbers down. They could be even more out of control, but we’re going to continue doing this not by months, not by three months, we’re going to do it every two weeks now.”

She also said, “As we know, the school masking policy remains in effect, despite the fact that there was a little blip, but we are back on track legally.” 

Hochul thanked the attorney general, Letitia James, for arguing in the state’s middle-level court, the Appellate Division, that the “Commissioner of Health and Department of Health have a responsibility to protect public health.”

A lower court in Nassau County had said that the legislature must be involved in such mandates.

“So the appellate decision, the second department, sided with us and let common sense prevail …,” said Hochul. “When our schools are open and kids are safe there, moms and dads can get back to work. We can start that path to being normal and there’ll come a time when we can talk about lifting this as well. We’re just not there yet.”

Hochul made the announcements at a storm briefing where she also said, “I’m taking the step at this time to announce that beginning 8 p.m. tonight will be under a state of emergency. And what that does is it gives us the extraordinary powers that we may need for additional purchasing of equipment or transferring individuals, personnel.”