The mask mandate issued by Governor Kathy Hochul and extended by the Health Department is up in the air. State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Rademacher said that Hochul exceeded her authority.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
UPDATE, January 26th, 2022: On Tuesday afternoon, NYS Court of Appeals Justice Robert J. Miller, stayed a ruling from the day before that voided New York’s mask mandate for indoor venues. The mandate will remain in place at least until a hearing on Friday.
“These measures are critical tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19, make schools and businesses safe, and save lives,” Governor Hochul said in a statement released by her office. “I commend the Attorney General for her defense of the health and safety of New Yorkers, and applaud the Appellate Division, Second Department for siding with common sense and granting an interim stay to keep the state’s important masking regulations in place.”
Attorney General Letitia James is handling the appeal.
End of update.
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Although the ruling immediately voids the mandate covering indoor activities, the state’s Attorney General will appeal, which restores it until the appellate court decides.
“My responsibility as Governor is to protect New Yorkers throughout this public health crisis, and these measures help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” Hochul said in a statement released by her office. “We strongly disagree with this ruling, and we are pursuing every option to reverse this immediately.”
The mandate is set to expire on February 1st, but with the Omicron surge still affecting New York communities, an extension is possible.
Mix in a little Sarah Palin
In a related story, the New York Times reports that an unvaccinated Sarah Palin dined a Elio’s, and Upper East Side Italian restaurant on Saturday. It was disclosed on Monday that her lawsuit against the Times had to be delayed because she tested positive for COVID.
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Coastal Flooding Disrupts Southeast Queens Streets and TransitCoastal flooding disrupted streets and transit across Southeast Queens as a fall nor’easter brought heavy rain and renewed calls for resilience and improved drainage.
- Nor’easter Brings Slow Streets and Transit Delays Across Queens and NYCAfter the nor’easter, slow streets and transit delays across Queens and NYC greeted commuters. Utility crews continued repairs as normal routines resumed Monday.
- Nor’easter Brings Flooding and Disruption Across New York CityA powerful nor’easter brings flooding and disruption across New York City, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding impacting neighborhoods through the weekend.
- Fatal Shooting Outside Astoria Gentlemen’s Club During Robbery AttemptA man was fatally shot outside an Astoria gentlemen’s club during a robbery attempt early Thursday. NYPD investigators are seeking witnesses and reviewing video footage as the homicide investigation continues.
- FDNY Response After Minor Explosion at Bayside’s P.S. 41 School Construction SiteFDNY response after minor explosion at Bayside’s P.S. 41 school construction site reassured families with prompt action, thorough checks, and a steady return to routine.
Before the Door Closed
The May 14 RIOC board meeting began with public concern over the steam plant and ended with two votes that revealed more than any report could. Some meetings announce themselves by what is said. This one announced itself by what the room permitted to move and what it stopped before it could breathe.
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