The former chief doctor of the Food and Drug Administration says that he thinks the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should ease mask restrictions as more people get vaccinated or previously had COVID-19.

Scott Gottlieb, speaking on CNBC's "Squawk Box" Wednesday, says the current CDC baseline to ease masking, particularly in schools is too conservative and could cost students a chance at returning to normalcy this spring.

The future of masks in schools is uncertain in New York, even as cases continue to drop from the winter surge.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has hinted the end of the mandate isn't far off, but has not laid out a plan. She says she's focused on the total number of cases, vaccination rates and hospitalizations.

Many Hudson Valley parents continue to push for a mask choice option.

Hochul announced Wednesday that 80% of those ages 12-17 have had at least one COVID-19 vaccine - but only one-third of children ages 5-11 have done the same.