New York mask mandate remains in effect

Albany, New York — New York State is seeing a 92% drop in cases from the January 7 peak, when it comes to COVID positivity.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul, she will continue to look at the numbers to determine if the mask mandate will be extended, despite COVID cases going down across the state. NY State’s general mask mandate is set to expire on February 10.

“Before any decision is made, I’m going to continue having conversations with the heads of hospitals and continue our conversations with school superintendents, as we have been, and other people who are affected by what we do and business leaders,” said Hochul.

Governor Hochul required the current mandate of masks to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses implement a vaccine requirement.

“A judge in Nassau County named Thomas Rademaker issued a decision declaring the Governor had no authority that the State of New York had no authority whatsoever to order children to wear masks in public schools,” explained Assemblyman Charles Lavine, (D) District 13.

According to Assemblyman Charles Lavine, who represents a portion of Nassau County, he wasn’t surprised by the lawsuit but does support the Governor’s mask mandate.

Republican Senator Jim Tedisco released a statement saying in part,“…our conference has called for an end to the overreaching government mandates on our businesses and schools such as the mask mandate and a return to fact-based collaborative governing.”