NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new mask rules took effect Monday across New York state.
Face coverings are actually required in all indoor public areas, until the enterprise or venue requires vaccinations.
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Mayor Bill de Blasio stated Monday the governor is “completely proper” to push tougher towards COVID-19, particularly as winter approaches and circumstances rise.
The brand new statewide mandate is designed to have everybody following the identical COVID guidelines from Buffalo to the Bronx, CBS2’s Christina Fan reported.
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On the floor, it seems companies had been embracing the governor’s order. Indicators had been up Monday throughout the state.
However inside, CBS2 noticed little or no compliance, and employees stated there may be good cause why.
Indicators and even bodily props grasp outdoors companies on Arthur Avenue within the Bronx, reminding guests a brand new masks mandate is in place. However customers didn’t appear to be deciphering obligatory the identical method.
“As a matter of reality, I simply got here out of the market. I walked in, I had it on. I noticed that almost all of individuals didn’t have it on so I simply took it off,” stated Joe Taverna of Orange County.
“I’m not a giant fan, particularly if you’re vaccinated,” a girl stated.
COVID VACCINE
After a six-month hiatus, a statewide masks mandate is again, that means any indoor enterprise that doesn’t verify for vaccines should implement face coverings.
Shops that don’t obey could face fines up to $1,000.
However workers stated obeying comes with penalties, too.
“It’s 50/50. You get some folks, they’re like, okay, no drawback. Some folks, they really feel violated, offended,” stated Angela Elio of Tino’s Deli.
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“It was loads of confrontation with the purchasers and us. Like, we’ll get cursed at,” added Linda Figueroa of Addeo Bakery.
“I believe everybody’s sick of it. I do know I’m sick of it. I’m ready for a mask-burning get together. We’ve masks fatigue,” Vincent Garcia of Hell’s Kitchen instructed CBS2’s Dick Brennan.
However Garcia stated he’ll comply with the foundations, and he’s not alone.
“We gotta do what we gotta do. It’s quite simple. Put on a masks,” added Lawrence Murray of Hell’s Kitchen.
And who will probably be implementing the foundations? Individuals like Peter Cerasuolo at Sacco’s Pizza on Ninth Avenue.
When requested if he’s involved about folks giving him and his workers a tough time, Cerasuolo stated, “Thank God we haven’t crossed that path but. We’re fortunate.”
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
When questioned Monday, Gov. Hochul as soon as once more defended her new coverage, stating it’s crucial because the state faces a cold-weather surge in COVID-19 infections.
The variety of circumstances and hospitalizations have each surged in current weeks, particularly in areas of upstate New York.
“If there are any acts of violence, that they’re addressed regionally. I name on folks to appreciate this a really minor infringement. Kids have been doing this with out a lot criticism for a lot of months,” Hochul stated.
Whereas companies are reluctant to implement, they stated it doesn’t imply they don’t assist masks carrying. No one needs numbers to proceed trending the unsuitable method.
“We couldn’t afford right here in downtown Brooklyn to return to mass shutdowns and getting folks vaccinated is how we keep out of that actuality,” stated Regina Meyer, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.
The state-wide positivity charge is at the moment hovering round 5%. The indoor masks mandate will probably be in impact till not less than Jan. 15, when Hochul will reassess COVID circumstances.
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CBS2’s Dick Brennan and John Dias contributed to this report.