New mandates across the city are going into effect before Mayor Bill de Blasio leaves office.

The omicron variant continues to spread in New York, but the CDC released new data that shows that the virus is more easily transmissible but seems to be less severe. They say the best defense is the COVID vaccine. At Castle Hill Pharmacy, any New Yorker ages 5 and up can get their vaccine.

Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed New York had four new cases of the new omicron variant across the state. Mayor de Blasio said additional measures will be added to keep those that live and work in New York City safe. Starting Dec. 27, anyone wanting to dine, work out or participate in any form of entertainment indoors must show proof of two doses of the coronavirus vaccine. Also, the mayor added that kids ages 5 and up must have their first shot to eat indoors or use entertainment or gym facilities. That new age group requirement goes into effect Dec. 14.

Gov. Hochul says there is a total of 12 omicron cases throughout New York now. Two of those additional cases come from Suffolk County and two from upstate. She says none of the new cases are related to the anime convention at the Javits Center.

Private sectors will now need to require their employees to be vaccinated to continue to work as well. That mandate goes into effect starting Dec. 27.