11.22.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Poloncarz Reinstates Indoor Mask Mandate
Blog Categories
This afternoon, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced he will mandate the wearing of face coverings in all indoor public places, including private businesses. This includes bars, restaurants, stores, theaters, barbershops, salons, gyms, entertainment and sports venues, hotels, banks, and all other places open to the public.
This mandate takes effect tomorrow (Tuesday, November 23) at 6:00 am. The mandate applies in all municipalities within Erie County, and to all individuals regardless of vaccination status. Businesses not complying with the mandate can face penalties as they had earlier in the pandemic, Poloncarz said.
Poloncarz cited rising numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations for the decision. He indicated this policy may be relaxed if COVID cases and hospitalization numbers improve.
Poloncarz called the mask mandate the first of a four-phase approach. The second phase would be a vaccine mandate for all indoor spaces; the third would be capacity restrictions, and the fourth would be shutdowns. Poloncarz said he does not want to advance to these additional phases, but will do so if the COVID-19 situation does not improve. He will assess the county’s progress on December 13 and evaluate whether to move to a more restrictive phase.
The County Executive’s full announcement is available here.
BNP leadership has been in ongoing discussions with the County Executive and remains hopeful that increased caution will prevent future mandates that would hinder our regional economy.
The BNP will continue to advocate for actions that keep our economy open and working.
Related Posts
9.7.21 Advocacy Alert: Hochul Triggers HERO Act – Employer Checklist
Yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul designated COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease,” citing rising case numbers and concerns about the delta variant. This declaration is significant because it triggers the NY HERO Act.
BNP Advocacy Insider – September 2021
The September 2021 Advocacy Insider is a roundup of important issues we are monitoring that could you and your business.
9.2.21 Advocacy Alert: NYS Extends Eviction Moratorium
Last night, the New York State Legislature convened for a special session to extend the state’s eviction moratorium.
The moratorium, which prevents the eviction of tenants declaring financial hardship, will remain in place though January 15.
The move represents Gov. Kathy Hochul’s first legislative action. The bill passed 38-19 in the Senate and 80-60 in the Assembly.
8.27.21 Advocacy Alert: SCOTUS Tosses Federal Eviction Moratorium
Last night, the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s latest eviction moratorium. In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that Biden and the CDC do not have legal authority to issue the moratorium without a specific act of Congress.