More than 15 months later, New York's COVID-19 state of emergency has officially come to an end.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that it would finally be halted Thursday.

The change means the state's special privileges in helping health departments stop the spread of the virus are over.

But some federal guidelines remain in place, like mask-wearing for the unvaccinated. And everyone must still mask up on public transportation, in hospitals, nursing homes and homeless shelters.

"Local governments may continue, and I would urge them to continue to enforce those mask requirements where they are in effect," says Cuomo.

The order also means bars and restaurants can no longer sell alcohol to-go anymore.