By Brendan O’Brien

(Reuters] -New York Mayor Eric Adams stated that he lifted the COVID-19 vaccination mandate of professional athletes and performers for Thursday. He allowed Kyrie Irving, a Brooklyn Nets’ star, to practice at home. The move was a major milestone in Major League Baseball’s inaugural day.

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio imposed the mandate as part of larger orders that all New York City private-sector workers must present proof of vaccination.

At Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets, he stated that “we are doing this because the city must function.” “New York City has a low-risk environment, so today we make another move in its economic recovery.”

Two days earlier, Adams had made it optional to wear masks in daycare or school for children 2-4 years of age.

New York City saw a 7.5% positive rate for COVID during January’s Omicron-driven COVID-19 spike. That means one in five people who were tested for COVID was positive. This rate is now at 1.4%, according to State of New York data.

For police officers, the vaccine mandate of New York City remains in effect. New York City’s police union, representing 36,000 officers, sued the city. They called the mandate “arbitrary” and “capricious.”

Patrick Lynch (NYSE:) said that the mandate wasn’t needed for well-known people. He also stated that it was unnecessary for cops protecting the city during a crisis.

Irving is a 7-time All-Star of National Basketball Association. He was not immunized and has sat out for the past two seasons. Irving was not allowed to play in the city’s home games because of his vaccine mandate. Irving was able to play against the Indiana Pacers in his first game on the road this season, Jan. 5.

Adams took office January 1st and maintained the mandate despite criticisms that the athletes could practice outside their city or play in other locations.

Since the mandate was implemented, unvaccinated performers can also take to the stage at Broadway and Madison Square Garden.

Major League Baseball’s first day will be on April 7, after an extended lockout. New York Yankees’ home opener will be played on April 7. New York Mets fans will return on April 15.