New York state has given at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to 70% of its adult population, CDC data updated on Monday afternoon shows.

For the state, it is a major milestone, and had been the benchmark set by Gov. Andrew Cuomo for when most pandemic-related restrictions would be lifted.

Earlier in the day, the governor said 69.9% of adults in the state had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

In addition, the state's COVID-19 infection rate stands at 0.4%, down from 7.9% in January.

The governor recently 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 when that 70% mark is reached.

Unvaccinated people will continue to have to wear masks and maintain social distancing. 

Some restrictions may still be in place at large venues, schools, public transportation, hospitals and nursing homes, and masks will still be required in certain situations, including mass transit, depending on CDC guidance.

The lowest demographic of New Yorkers vaccinated against COVID-19 are children ages 12-17. The governor added that the state will focus on vaccinating residents living in ZIP codes with the lowest vaccination rates.​​

“It’s not the finish line at 70. But we’re coming around the last turn on the track," Cuomo said.