New York rolls out mask mandate for businesses that don't require vaccines

New York's Democratic governor announced sweeping new coronavirus restrictions on Friday as part of an effort to "prevent business disruption" during a winter surge of COVID-19.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said that masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. Beginning Monday, all indoor businesses will have to ask patrons for proof of vaccination or require people over the age of 2 to wear a mask.

The new measure will stay in effect until Jan. 15, 2022, when the state will "re-evaluate based on current conditions," the governor's office said in a press release.

"As Governor, my two top priorities are to protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of our economy. The temporary measures I am taking today will help accomplish this through the holiday season," Hochul said.

New York officials reported that since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43%, and COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased by 29%. According to the New York Times coronavirus tracker, there were nearly 10,000 average new daily cases reported in New York last week.

"We shouldn't have reached the point where we are confronted with a winter surge, especially with the vaccine at our disposal, and I share many New Yorkers' frustration that we are not past this pandemic yet," Hochul said. "I want to thank the more than 80 percent of New Yorkers who have done the right thing to get fully vaccinated. If others will follow suit, these measures will no longer be necessary."

"I have warned for weeks that additional steps could be necessary, and now we are at that point based upon three metrics: Increasing cases, reduced hospital capacity, and insufficient vaccination rates in certain areas," she added.

State officials urged people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, pointing to studies that show the vaccines are effective at preventing hospitalizations and death from the coronavirus. They said that rules requiring unvaccinated individuals to wear masks indoors were in accordance with federal guidance from the CDC.

"New York State and the State's Department of Health continue to strongly recommend mask-wearing in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required. Children 2-5 who remain ineligible for vaccination must wear a proper-fitting mask," the state said.

Businesses found to be in noncompliance with the new order could face up to $1,000 fines per violation.