You may no longer be able to wear a mask on the subway. 

Governor Kathy Hochul suggested a mask ban earlier this month in NYC’s subways, which she says would curb antisemitic behavior. She says it’ll help identify troublemakers easier.

The idea, which may exclude medical masks, seems to have Mayor Eric Adams’ support, too, according to Newsweek:

“It’s all about proper implementation,” Adams said. “I’m a strong supporter of the decision of stopping masks on our subway system, of masks in protests and masks in other areas where it is not health-related. I think that you’re going to see a great deal of very violent protests and some of this despicable hate we’re seeing, I think you’re gonna see it dissipate.”

Although masks have been banned in public in NYC since the 1800s, the law was suspended in 2020 during the pandemic to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The pandemic has been declared over, but many New Yorkers are still wearing masks to stay safe, especially now that a new variant is making its way around. NYC has also had multiple air quality alerts this summer, forcing vulnerable New Yorkers back into masks. 

If New York is going to ban masks, we might as well ban these on the subway, too:

1. Blasting music or Tiktok on speakers

Taking the subway is already sensory overload, so when we hear always-shitty music blasting from a phone or speaker, or someone scrolling through an annoying FYP on TikTok, it’s too much. 

2. Vape smoke

Smoking isn’t allowed on the subway, but some vapers think their smoke doesn’t stink. Wrong.

3. Smelly food

We get it—sometimes you’ve got to eat on the go, but if it is rank, please spare us. 

4. Nail clipping (and any other bodily cast-offs)

Once in a while, we see someone hacking away at their nails, letting them fly any which way. It’s a level of disgusting we shouldn’t have to endure. In fact, anything discarded from one’s body should SIMPLY be off-limits on the subway. Let’s keep it at home, folks.

5. Large groups of middle schoolers

Middle schoolers were terrifying when we were in middle school. Now, they just remind us of those awkward (read: horrible) times. They’re loud, obnoxious and just as mean, and we just want to disappear into the seat when they clamber onto the subway.

6. Pole-leaning

Look, standing on the subway is not the easiest, but when someone leans their whole ass body on the pole when others are holding on, it’s fucking rude. An inadvertent touch, especially in the summer, really sticks with you.

7. B.O.

In tight spaces like these, everyone must wear deodorant. Nothing is quite as vom-inducing as getting a whiff of someone’s rank pits!

8. Spitting

There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t see someone’s loogie on the platform. Can we please stop?

9. Gratuitous PDA

We love a good romance story but no one wants to watch you reach the next base on New York City’s transit system. 

10. Pet snakes and rats

Exotic pets have long been the sign of an eccentric character, but if we don’t want to be on the subway, it’s likely they don’t want to be either. 

* This article was originally published here

A warm summer’s day is best spent at the beach, but lurking in the waters are some dangers such as strong rip tides and sharks. Thankfully, beaches use a flag color system to warn of these potential dangers and keep beachgoers safe.

But what exactly do those beach flags mean?

According to the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) and the International Lifesaving Federation, beach flag colors indicate the following:

• Yellow: Medium hazard. Moderate surf and/or currents are present. Weak swimmers are discouraged from entering the water. Others should exercise enhanced care and caution.
• Red: High hazard. Rough conditions such as strong surf and/or currents are present. All swimmers are discouraged from entering the water.
• Double Red (two red flags on one flagpole): Water is closed to the public.
• Purple: Marine pests, such as jellyfish, stingrays, or other marine life (excluding sharks) which can cause minor injuries are present in the water.
• Red/Yellow (halved red over yellow): The area is protected by lifeguards.

• Black/White (quartered): These flags may be used in pairs spaced apart to indicate a designated area or zone along a beach or waterfront that is used by those with surfboards and other non-powered watercraft.
• Yellow flag with black circle: Surfboards and other non-powered watercraft are prohibited.
• Orange windsock: Indicates the direction of offshore winds and shows that it’s unsafe for inflatable objects to be used in the water.
• Red/White (quartered): Emergency evacuation. Swimmers should leave the water because of an emergency (such as dangerous marine creatures, the water is contaminated, or lifeguards need to perform a search of the water area).

Additionally, some beaches may choose to fly a green flag to indicate that the water is safe and ocean conditions are calm or mild. However, since the USLA states that “there is always a potential hazard present,” the International Life Saving Federation hasn’t fully adopted the use of the green flag.

It is important to note that though this is the flag system the United States Lifesaving Association has adopted and most beaches use it, some beaches may differ slightly. It’s always best to search for the flag system for the specific beach you’re at before going.

You can always check the status of NYC beaches by using this beach water quality map.

The post This Is What The Different Beach Flag Colors Mean appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here