BREAKING: Gov. Cuomo announces New York will drop mask mandate due to new CDC guidance

"Masks are still required on public transit, in nursing homes, in homeless shelters, correctional facilities, schools and healthcare facilities across the state in accordance with the new federal guidelines," NBC reported on Monday.

Cuomo said that private businesses may still enforce their own mask mandates, however many large retailers across America have already dropped mask mandates.

New York State has had a mask mandate in place since April 2020.

"We have to reopen. We have to reopen smart, with a cautious eye. We have to get back to life and living and we have to do it the way New Yorkers do it. Unvaccinated people should continue to wear a mask and social distance, but if you are vaccinated you are safe -- no masks, no social distancing," the embattled governor said.

This is a breaking story and will be updated.