Masks will now be required in all child care and day care centers in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.

Face coverings also will need to be worn at state-regulated residential and congregate day programs.

The requirement takes effect immediately. 

Hochul said the move is in response to more COVID-19 cases appearing in children throughout the country, most of whom aren't yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We don’t have a vaccine available for 5-11-year-olds," Hochul said.

In addition to these care centers, masks must still be worn on mass transit, in schools, health care facilities and homeless shelters across New York.