On Tuesday, New York reached its vaccination goal of 70% of residents having at least one shot and lifted all state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions.

However, businesses still have the option to enforce their own restrictions.

New York state will also continue to follow guidelines from the CDC. Masks will still be required in places like hospitals, schools and on public transportation.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says New York's next goal will be to target areas with the lowest vaccination rates and convince those who have been hesitant to get the shot that it is safe.

In honor of the restrictions being lifted, celebrations were held all around the state last night to commemorate the milestone and pay tribute to the essential workers who battled on the front lines for more than a year