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NY statewide indoor mask mandate begins Monday
New York's indoor mask mandate begins Monday, and while it may not change much for places in New York City that are already subject to vaccine requirements, businesses outside of New York are facing yet another change to their routine.
NEW YORK - New York's indoor mask mandate begins Monday, meaning mask-wearing will be required in all indoor public places unless the businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the new mandate on Friday, citing the state's 43% rise in the 7-day average case rate and 29% jump in hospitalizations since Thanksgiving.
Hochul says she will reassess the mandate on January 15, but until then, New Yorkers will need to mask up.
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NY indoor mask mandate starts Monday
Local religious organizations are preparing for the indoor mask mandate in NY, which begins Monday.
New York will join several states with similar indoor mask mandates, including Washington, Oregon, Illinois, New Mexico, Nevada, and Hawaii.
Businesses and venues that do not screen for proof of full vaccination will face a $1,000 fine if found in violation of the mask requirement.
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NYC small businesses seek guidance
Later this month, businesses across New York city will have to make sure kids are vaccinated against COVID-19. But some business owners say these new protocols are wreaking havoc on their bottom line and are asking for more guidance.
The mandate applies to people ages 2 and up, though customers can remove their masks while eating and drinking at bars and restaurants.
As of Saturday, December 11, 3,574 people had been hospitalized due to COVID-19, and the state was reporting a 4.63% positivity rate.