Students at New York City public schools will get to show off their smiles as the mask mandate for outdoors on school grounds is lifted. 

Schools Chancellor David Banks made the announcement last week that mask mandates would be eased this week across the five boroughs.

On Sunday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the statewide mask mandate in schools would be lifted on Wednesday. However, each city and county will be allowed to decide whether to follow suit. If parents and children want to continue to wear masks, it is their choice. 

“I want to be very clear,” says Gov. Hochul. “We will not stand for any bullying or ostracization or harassment of an individual or a business or anyone who chooses to wear a mask as we’re still going through this.” 

Mayor Eric Adams says the indoor mask mandate will remain for now, but will reevaluate on Friday. There is a high likelihood the indoor mask mandate for schools could be lifted on next week.