New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul has extended the state’s mask-or-vaccine mandate yet again, even as she sees very good signs regarding omicron cases. This new deadline, February 10th, is set for all indoor facilities across New York, enforcing a mandatory requirement of wearing masks or having a mandatory vaccination policy in place.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
For Governor Hochul, one of the most important tasks at hand is enforcing a mandatory requirement of wearing masks or having a mandatory vaccination policy in place.
“New Yorkers are doing what is necessary to combat the spread of COVID-19 and the progress is evident in our numbers,” Governor Hochul said. “We cannot let our guard down, though, and those who have yet to get their vaccine, their second dose, or their booster shot should do so as soon as possible. It’s safe, effective, free, and widely available throughout the state. Keep your loved ones safe and healthy by utilizing the best tools at our disposal.”
Challenging the mask-or-vaccine mandate
The state’s decision to appeal a judge’s order that would have required them to end the mandate was announced this week, even though earlier in the month, Hochul said positivity rates were at their lowest point for over thirty days.
She claims it has helped lower our caseload quicker than other jurisdictions.
“They could be even more out of control,” she said on Friday. “But we’re going to continue doing this not by month, not by three months, we’re going to do it every two weeks now. So we can be ready to give businesses the notice they’ve been waiting for.”
On Friday, the state reported these results.
- Test Results Reported – 221,035
- Total Positive – 13,592
- Percent Positive – 6.15%
- 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 7.91%
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As the Dust Settles
The way the wind cuts across the river this time of year. The way older buildings hold heat but never quite hold air. I told myself that was why my chest felt tight again on certain mornings. Age, perhaps.
