NY Indoor Mask Mandate Now In Effect: 5 Things You Need To Know

LONG ISLAND, NY — New statewide indoor mask mandates went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday. The decision came after a the new omicron variant emerged, along with a predicted winter surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations statewide — and the looming threat of a hospital bed shortage that Gov. Kathy Hochul has said keeps her awake at night.

According to New York state, the new mandate is in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations for communities with "substantial and high" transmission. The state health commissioner issued a determination also enforcing the requirement.

On Sunday, New York's statewide positivity rate stood at 4.63 percent, with a seven-day positive average of 4.61 percent; Long Island's positivity rate continued to climb, reported at 6.49 percent Sunday. A total of 60 deaths were reported Sunday.

Here are five things you need to know:

1) What does the mandate say?

Masks will once again be required at all indoor public places in New York unless they require proof of full vaccination against the coronavirus, said. Fully vaccinated means 14 days past their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or 14 days past their single shot of Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

2) What is the definition of an indoor public place — or, where do I need to wear my mask?

According to New York state's "Frequently Asked Questions webpage," an indoor public place is defined as any indoor space that is not a private residence — businesses and venues that are not publicly owned or owned by private business. That includes indoor entertainment venues, concert halls, indoor sports stadiums, recreational spaces, restaurants, office buildings, shopping centers, grocery stores, pharmacies, houses of worship and common areas in residential buildings.

3) How long is the mandate in effect?

The mandate kicked off at 12:01 a.m. Monday and will remain in place until Jan. 15, when Hochul said she will take another look at where New York stands.

4) Does this mean the vaccines aren't working?

No, according to New York state, which said studies produced by the state's Department of Health indicate that the COVID-19 vaccines are effective, particularly in preventing severe disease. Health officials continue to urge eligible New Yorkers of all ages to get fully vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible, state officials said.

However, the new mandate will provide another level of protection during the holiday season when residents gather indoors, shop and visit holiday-themed destinations, Hochul said.

Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43 percent and hospitalizations have increased by 29 percent, state officials said. Although the percentage of New Yorkers fully vaccinated continues to increase, that rise "is not fast enough to completely curb the spread of the virus, particularly among communities with low vaccination coverage," the state said.

5) Do the new requirement supercede the last, Aug. 27, decision on indoor masking?

Yes, according to New York state. "The new determination supersedes the August 27, 2021 determination that required face masks in certain settings such as healthcare settings, schools, correctional facilities and while on public transport or in transportation hubs. These settings are all still covered under the current masking determination," the state said.

Hochul said Friday she would reimpose the statewide mask mandate as a measure to fight the omicron variant and a growing surge in overall COVID-19 cases as the holidays approach.

She placed blame on insufficient vaccination rates outside New York City, where coronavirus levels — though rising — have been much lower than elsewhere in the state thanks to its higher levels of inoculations.

"As governor, my top priority is to protect the health of New Yorkers and the health of our economy, and these temporary measures will help us get through the holiday season safely," Hochul said Monday. "I share everyone's frustration that we have gotten to this point, especially with the vaccine at our disposal. We are all in this together and if others will follow suit, these measures will no longer be necessary."

Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett added: "Taking this action now is critical to slowing the COVID-19 winter surge during the holidays. Each of you can contribute: get vaccinated, get boosted if you are already vaccinated and wear a mask. We urge the public to support these new requirements in indoor public places by cooperating with the venues. We need everyone to do their part to get through this together."

Hochul reminded residents that COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are free and widely available statewide. To get vaccinated, click here, text a ZIP code to 438829 or call 800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. To schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site, click here.

Not everyone approves of the mandate: Rep. Lee Zeldin, who announced in April he would throw his hat in the 2022 race for governor, blasted the measure: "This new tyrannical measure is the wrong answer," he said. "Say 'no' to Hochul's new mandate. New Yorkers are done with these moving goal posts day after day. And we are tired of government telling us more than ever that we are no longer in charge of our own individual lives and freedoms."