Coronavirus
New York implements new indoor mask mandate
The pre-emptive measure aims to prevent a rise in COVID-19 cases
December 13, 2021 5:23pm
Updated: December 13, 2021 5:23pm
Starting on Monday, all businesses will require that customers will either have to provide proof of vaccination or else wear a mask. The stricter measure is intended to curb the spread of COVID-19, as hospitalizations and cases surge in the region.
"As governor, my top priority is to protect the health of New Yorkers and the health of our economy, and these temporary measures will help us get through the holiday season safely," said New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement Monday.
I share New Yorkers’ frustration that we are not past this pandemic. But the winter surge is here & we must take action.
— Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 13, 2021
Starting today through January 15, businesses will be requiring either proof of vaccination or mask-wearing indoors. Learn more: https://t.co/GtHiXGNyUe.
"I share everyone's frustration that we have gotten to this point, especially with the vaccine at our disposal," said the governor. "I want to thank the millions of New Yorkers who have done the right thing to get fully vaccinated. We are all in this together and if others will follow suit, these measures will no longer be necessary."
The mask mandate that will be in effect until January 15, after which it will be re-evaluated. Those who violate the rule will face fines of $1,000.
New York’s seven-day average case rate has increased by 43 percent and COVID-related hospitalizations rose by 29 percent.
"Community spread requires a community-minded solution, as the Omicron variant emerges and the overwhelmingly dominant Delta variant continues to circulate. We have the tools we need to protect against the virus - and now we must ensure we use them,” said NY Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. "There are tools each individual can use, and there are actions we can take as government. Getting vaccinated protects you, and wearing a mask is how we will better protect each other. Both vaccination and mask-wearing are needed to slow this COVID-19 winter surge."
Several other states are re-implementing similar mask mandates, including Nevada, Illinois, New Mexico and Washington.
The mandate comes as the United States reached 800,000 COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
