NY Governor issues face mask mandate, says re-opening economy could take 18 months
ALBANY NY (WRGB) - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is issuing an executive order that requires people to wear masks in public areas where they cannot practice social distancing.
The order takes effect on Saturday.
The governor says you must wear a mask or cloth covering that goes over your nose and mouth. He says it applies to places like grocery stores and even public sidewalks with foot traffic.
Another mask order issued earlier, takes effect Wednesday, it requires employers to provide masks for their workers by 8pm.
MORE: How to make a CDC-approved face mask: A step-by-step guide from an expert
At Wednesdays news conference, CBS 6's Anne McCloy questioned the governor about how he will enforce this new order.
“Don’t infect me you don’t have a right to infect me,” Cuomo said.
Governor Cuomo taking action on mask wearing, saying wearing one in public places is no longer a choice, it's an order.
ALSO: Gov. Cuomo mandates that all New Yorkers must wear masks while in public
“If you’re going to be in public and you cannot maintain social distancing then wear a mask,” Cuomo said.
Right now the governor says there is no civil penalty for failing to wear a mask, but is urging local governments to enforce the order verbally.
MORE: How to properly wear a face mask to prevent coronavirus spread
CBS 6’s Anne McCloy asked the governor whether he's opening a can of worms.
Anne: “Is this going to put people where they are scared not to wear a mask? They want to go on a run or a walk and they don’t think they'll see anyone, but don’t want to worry about getting shamed for not wearing a mask?”
Governor Cuomo: “So you wear a mask and you keep it below your chin and when you see someone you either run across the street or you pull it up. Look, it’s not the biggest inconvenience in the world.”
Anne also asked the governor about a video from Philadelphia showing a man being forcibly removed from a public bus after breaking a mask order.
ALSO: Donation of a million face masks arrived in Albany from China
Anne: “Obviously in New York public transit is big, if people refuse to get off the trains what will happen to them?”
Governor Cuomo: “Yeah, we're not there yet. There is no civil penalty yet, there is not mandatory eviction from a public transit yet.”
ALSO: Gov. Cuomo orders employers to provide face masks to employees
Governor Cuomo also gave a timeline on how long he believes it will take to fully reopen the economy during his Wednesday news briefing.
The governor says it could take up to 18 months until we are fully re-opened because that's how long it could take to develop a vaccine.
MORE: How to properly protect yourself with masks and gloves, face covering recommended
He also gave steps he will take to determine which businesses will open first. He says re-opening will be based on how essential the business or product is and what the risk of infection spread is at the businesses.
There is a proper way to wear face masks to best protect yourself.
