Even with many mask mandates in New York State lifted, COVID-19 cases in WNY drop State data shows WNY’s seven-day rolling average on COVID cases dropping weeks before mask mandates were largely lifted for those who are vaccinated. Author: Jeff Preval Updated: 5:34 PM EDT June 9, 2021 2 On Your Side has been looking into the COVID data on where cases stand since many of those mask restrictions went away. State data shows Western New York’s seven-day rolling average on COVID cases dropping weeks before mask mandates were largely lifted for those who are vaccinated. Since the mask guidance changes, cases have continued to plummet.