Stefanik calls N.Y.'s mask mandate an 'unprecedented overreach'

WASHINGTON, D.C. | U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik was quick to condemn Gov. Kathy Hochul's Dec. 10 announcement of a statewide mask mandate on private businesses that do not have a proof of vaccine requirement. Gov. Hochul said the Department of Health supported the decision ahead of an expected holiday surge in COVID-19 cases and amid the current spike in cases across the state, including in the North Country, which earlier this week declared a regional state of emergency. State officials said the measure would be re-evaluated Jan. 15, intended to bring added layers of mitigation during the holidays when more time is spent indoors shopping, gathering, and during holiday events. Those measures, officials said, would require businesses to either have a proof of vaccination check in place or implement a mask requirement for all patrons two years and older. Health officials are asking local health officials to monitor the regulation's enforcement. The mandate goes into effect Monday, Dec. 10 with fines of up to $1,000 for non-compliance. Stefanik called the mask mandate "an unprecedented overreach of power" and "another crushing mandate for New York small businesses who have faced unprecedented challenges throughout the COVID pandemic, including forced closures required by New York State. Essentially, Kathy Hochul is asking businesses to be responsible for checking the vaccine status for every individual, which is an untenable and outrageous request of our business community."

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Stefanik calls N.Y.'s mask mandate an 'unprecedented overreach'

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