Consumer Behavior

NYS mask mandate goes into effect today

Photo by istock.com

December 13, 2021

Shoppers going into stores, restaurants or any type of business in New York State are now required to mask up or present proof of COVID-19 vaccination starting today. It also mandates employees at the locations to either wear a mask or have proof of vaccination.

The mandate was announced last Friday by Gov. Kathy Hochul as cases of COVID continue to increase, according to a New York Post report. The mandate involves all indoor public places and will remain in force until Jan. 15.

"I have to protect people but also the economy. I want to make sure that the little businesses that were hurt so hard during the pandemic in a shutdown — resulting in their loss of income, [and] the loss of income of all the people who work for them," Hochul said at a local NY event, according to the news outlet. "We have to prevent that from happening."

Those not enforcing the rules at businesses could face a maximum $1,000 fine for each infraction.