Starting today, all New Yorkers over 16, seeking COVID-19 vaccinations, will be accommodated on a walk-in basis at all state-run vaccination sites.

The move to expand vaccine access comes as infection rates are decreasing in most of the state.

Here is a list of state-run vaccine sites in the Hudson Valley:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the move on Tuesday. "The more New Yorkers who get vaccinated, the faster we will defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild a new and better state and economy for everyone," said Cuomo, who announced the new walk-in policy in Johnson City in the state's Southern Tier.

Back in February, when appointments were few and far in between, there were lines around the block at the Westchester County Center.

Today, the wait is nearly nonexistent now that vaccine demand is dropping and more people are already vaccinated. "We're moving forward, and it's time that we all start getting back home to what used to be considered a normal life. So at least a life where people can get together and go out and start seeing each other," says Loretta Zilembo, of Elmsford.

The Westchester County Center is open for vaccines between 8 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome until 6 p.m.Cuomo announced last week that state-run mass vaccination sites would provide walk-in shots to people 60 and over. The new policy will drop the age limit for walk-in appointments. The state-run mass vaccination sites administer the Pfizer vaccine, which can be given to anyone over 16.

Walk-in vaccinations are already available for all eligible ages at New York City-run sites.

The walk-in appointments at state-run sites are for first doses only, Cuomo said. Second doses of the two-shot Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be scheduled automatically after the first shot is administered, he said.

Cuomo also said that New York state will follow the guidelines announced Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowing fully vaccinated Americans to go maskless in some situations.

"The CDC announced new guidance today saying that when Americans who are fully vaccinated are outside, biking, hiking, running, or in small gatherings, you don't need to wear a mask," Cuomo said in a statement. "That is liberating, especially now that the weather is getting warmer."