New York State is lifting most of its COVID-19 restrictions for businesses, social gatherings and masks. Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement Tuesday as the state reached a milestone of having 70% of adults at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19.

"This is a momentous day, and we deserve it because it has been a long, long road," Cuomo said.

Capacity restrictions, social distancing rules, cleaning protocols, health screenings and contact tracing requirements will become optional for most places, including retail stores, restaurants, offices and gyms.

It's all welcome news for many New Yorkers.

"I think it's nice that we're finally able to get back to normal without having to worry about where we're going and what we're doing,” said Kaylin Tobin, Orchard Park. “We can do everything safely now.”

"I'm excited to be able to see shows again, to be able to go outside and eat in restaurants,” Chris Fisher of Oneida said. “Just to get back to my life. It's exciting.”

"I think I feel safe enough now to actually walk around without a mask and be in social gatherings without that fear,” Candace Nquyen of Buffalo added.

And for places like Buffalo's Prima Pizza that have been hard-hit during the pandemic, they're looking for a boost in business with the end of restrictions.

"We're hoping that it will bring people back downtown to work on a daily basis,” said Kevin Lake, general manager. “Have more events come. Just a really exciting time to try to get things back to normal and really get going here again.”

Despite the progress, public health officials caution that while it's encouraging to reach the 70% vaccination mark, many people haven't had the vaccine, including kids under 12, who aren't eligible. And there are still variants of the virus to be concerned about.

"It has been a long hard fight, but it's not over yet," said Dr. Elizabeth Whalen, Albany County health commissioner.