For Ericsson moved to Harlem in New York City about two weeks ago.

And when she recently ventured out to the playground with her two young kids,

ages two and five, they all wore masks.

We feel more confident with the numbers being down as far as infection rate,

but still enough to want to wear masks.

Ericsson was one of several New Yorkers who spoke with NPR National Correspondent,

Hansi Loewang, about a recent change in New York's public health policy.

The state officially lifted its indoor mask mandate for businesses last Thursday.

I personally think it's a little premature.

Ericsson said she'll be more confident once her youngest can get vaccinated,

but even still, she hasn't really mined it masking up.

You know, we hadn't been sick in two years,

so I think I might just continue to wear a mask.

I say everybody go by their own judgment.

If you feel like you need to protect yourself,

protect yourself when entering these stores.

Now James Brown said the state lifting the mask mandate for inside stores and other businesses

makes sense to him.

He has only ever worn a mask when actually required to do so.

People want to feel comfortable while they're shopping.

Not everyone has made the mask part of the everyday plan.

You will want to have a little bit of freedom,

...