Tuesday, March 26

State organizations respond to the lift of the indoor business mask mandate


(WIVB) – On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the state will lift the mask-or-vaccine requirement for indoor businesses and venues effective Thursday.

The responses to the lift are pouring in from organizations across the state.

Here is what they’re saying:

The Business Council of New York State

“As protecting public health remains our top concern, we also appreciate the Governor’s efforts to assure that state policies reflect ever-changing COVID levels. Throughout the pandemic, employers have taken the necessary safety precautions and followed state and federal guidelines to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. We hope new policies will encourage New Yorkers to continue to support New York businesses still recovering from the pandemic.”

– Heather Briccetti Esq., President and CEO, The Business Council of New York State

The National Federation of Independent Business 

“This is welcome news for New York’s small businesses and our communities, which for nearly two years now have wrestled with ever-changing and taxing public health mandates. Governor Hochul’s announcement that the indoor mask or vaccine mandate will be lifted is necessary and prudent as other states, including our neighboring states, are easing restrictions and finding a way back to normal. Small businesses have endured statewide shutdowns, business restrictions, and unparalleled disruptions that have wreaked havoc on our Main Streets and economy. Miraculously, many hardworking and dedicated small business owners have managed to persevere and keep their doors open. With the absence of federal assistance and relief, significant labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rampant inflation, small businesses still face a great deal of uncertainty and no shortage of trials ahead. Today’s announcement is hopefully the end of COVID-related business restrictions and the beginning of Main Street’s economic revival and the revitalization of small businesses and local jobs.”

NFIB State Director Ashley Ranslow 

Advocacy group ALIGN is calling for increased funding of the NY HERO Act for workplace COVID-19 safety.

“What separates New York from other states like New Jersey that have rolled back mask mandates is that New Yorkers have access to permanent infectious disease standards through the NY HERO Act. NY HERO gives workers a voice when they feel unsafe through enforceable airborne infectious standards. Governor Hochul can fully realize the vision of  NY HERO by investing $50 million in enforcement, education, training, and ventilation upgrades. The DOL revealed last week that they have received more than 53,000 covid complaints throughout the pandemic – this points to a real problem of workplace spread. A modest investment in NY HERO will undoubtedly make New York safer and save lives.

Maritza Silva-Farrell, Executive Director of ALIGN

New York’s indoor mask mandate has been in effect since Dec. 13.

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Gov. Hochul says it will remain in place for the following:

  • State-regulated health care settings
  • State-regulated adult health care facilities and nursing homes
  • Correctional facilities
  • Schools and childcare centers
  • Homeless shelters
  • Domestic violence shelters
  • Buses, bus stations, trains, train stations, subway, subway stations, planes, and airports

This list will be updated as more responses come in.

Kaley Lynch is a digital reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2017. See more of her work here.

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