New Yorkers will soon have to start wearing masks or cloth coverings over their mouths and noses in public to help fight the novel coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday.
Cuomo issued an executive order mandating the masks be worn whenever those in New York can’t maintain at least six feet of space between themselves and others in public, citing the social-distancing measure taken to limit the risk of infection.
“If you are in public and you cannot maintain social distancing, then have a mask,” Cuomo said.
The order takes effect at 8 p.m. Friday to allow people time to obtain masks or cloth coverings to follow the new rules, Cuomo said, adding local authorities will be tasked with enforcing the mandate.
