New York State will be implementing a mask mandate for all indoor public places unless the business or venue has a vaccine requirement already in place. The mandate, announced Friday morning by Gov. Kathy Hochul, will be in effect Dec. 13-Jan. 15.
A violation of any provision of this measure is subject to all civil and criminal penalties, including a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation. Local health departments are being asked to enforce these requirements.
"As governor, my two top priorities are to protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of our economy," Hochul said in New York City, announcing actions to combat homelessness and expand housing affordability. "The temporary measures I am taking today will help accomplish this through the holiday season."
Hochul said the surge in infections and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 prompted her to make the move. According to her office, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% since Thanksgiving. COVID-related hospitalizations have risen by 29% over the same period.
"I have warned for weeks that additional steps could be necessary, and now we are at that point based upon three metrics: Increasing cases, reduced hospital capacity, and insufficient vaccination rates in certain areas," Hochul said.
