The COVID wave in New York is again – and with it the masks mandate

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NEW YORK – Amid a winter spike in COVID-19 infections, New York Governor Kathy Hochul introduced right this moment that masks are required in all indoor public areas except firms or venues implement a compulsory vaccination requirement.

Hochul stated the choice to concern a masks mandate was based mostly on the state’s weekly seven-day case price in addition to the rise in hospital stays.

The masks mandate applies to each patrons and workers and is legitimate from Monday to January 15, after which the state will undertake a reassessment.

“We’re coming into a time of uncertainty and we might both attain a plateau right here or our circumstances might spiral uncontrolled,” warned Hochul throughout a public look in New York Metropolis.
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New York joins a number of states with related inside masks mandates, together with Washington, Oregon, Illinois, New Mexico, Nevada, and Hawaii.

On common, about 9,740 individuals examined constructive for COVID-19 in New York within the seven days ending December 8, a 38% enhance over the earlier seven days, in line with a evaluation of state information by The Related Press.

The surge is especially pronounced in some areas of New York state, that are answerable for almost three-quarters of confirmed COVID-19 deaths in hospitals since August.

“We’re transferring upwards in a route that I now not discover sustainable,” stated Hochul.

Hochul introduced the masks mandate at a social service in western Manhattan, the place most individuals are already carrying masks. New York Metropolis requires vaccinations for indoor eating places, leisure, and gymnasiums, so these venues won’t be affected by the brand new rule.

A number of New York state counties have additionally not too long ago issued masks mandates, together with Erie County, which incorporates Buffalo.

Hochul stated violators face civil and felony penalties, together with a most nice of $ 1,000. The native well being authorities are answerable for imposing the necessities.

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