Indoor Mask Mandate Takes Effect: What NYC Needs To Know

NEW YORK CITY — A revived indoor mask mandate took effect Monday for New Yorkers — and noncompliance doesn't just carry an increased risk of COVID-19.

Violations carry a $1,000 fine, according to the rules announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday that city health officials will enforce the rule, but with an emphasis first on education and problem-solving.

"We don't want to penalize people unless there is over-resistance and unwillingness to cooperate, and that's very, very rare," he said.

Hochul announced last week she'll resurrect a statewide mask mandate for indoor public spaces, unless the venues already require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. She said the measure — which is designed to end as soon as Jan. 15, 2022 — is necessary to fight rising COVID-19 levels and the omicron variant's looming threat.

But the governor only provided broad strokes of her plan until Monday, when her office released a "FAQ" for New Yorkers and businesses.

Little in New York City is likely to change as much as other parts of the state, according to the rules.

The city's local indoor vaccination mandate already set the groundwork for mask-free, fully vaccinated public spaces. And many businesses already require face coverings indoors — a rule backed up by recent city health department guidance strongly encouraging masking indoors.

The state rules released Monday clarify that indoor public spaces are defined as any place that's not a private residence. They also state that venues cannot "mix and match" requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

"A business or venue must choose whether it will implement a full-course vaccine requirement or a mask requirement, which applies to both patrons and employees and then must be followed in its entirety throughout the facility at all times each day," it states.

Full vaccination is defined by 14 days after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or 14 days after the first and only dose of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine.

Fines of up to $1,000 can be leveled at both individuals and businesses, the guidance states.

Read more about the masking requirements here.