NY Gov. Still Undecided on Mask Mandate, 6 County Executives Say ‘Drop It’

 New York Governor Andrew Cuomo still has yet to say whether he'll change the state’s mask or social distancing rules in light of new federal guidance that eases rules for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Immediately after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announcement that new guidance allows fully vaccinated people to go without masks or social distancing in most cases, Pennsylvania said it would go along with the recommendation and drop its mask mandates. The Keystone State says, however, schools, businesses and organizations still could require people to wear masks if they so choose.

Six of New York’s county executives are calling for Governor Andrew Cuomo to update the state’s COVID-19 protocols in accord with new federal guidelines that ease rules for fully vaccinated people.

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The bipartisan group of county executives cited Thursday’s announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating that vaccinated Americans could stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.

The statement from the county leaders was signed by Republican Rockland County Executive Ed Day, Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, Republican Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, Democrat Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Republican Putnam County Executive Mary Ellen Odell and Democrat Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan. The executives say all New Yorkers should get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible if they are eligible.

Several states changed their COVID-19 rules after the CDC announcement.

Cuomo said Thursday, May 13 that the state’s mask mandate is still in place as his administration reviews the new federal guidance and consults with health officials in neighboring states. His office said there's no immediate update Friday.

In April 2020, the governor first required all people in New York over age 2 to wear a mask when out in public or unable to distance themselves from others.

Requiring the wearing of facial coverings for people who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is still up to the discretion of state and local governments and individual businesses or organizations.