New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that indoor public places statewide must require masks or proof of vaccination.
The mandate will start Monday and remain in place until Jan. 15, when it will be reevaluated.
Fearing a winter surge in COVID-19 cases, Hochul said the decision was based on state’s weekly seven-day case rate.
“As governor, my two top priorities are to protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of our economy,” she said in her announcement.
“The temporary measures I am taking today will help accomplish this through the holiday season,” Hochul explained.
In the city, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues already ask for proof of vaccination. Now, places like grocery stores, pharmacies, and shops will require masks or proof.
Businesses face fines of $1,000 for each violation if they do not enforce the mandate.
Hochul said “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”.