Blakeman Won't Enforce Mask Mandate When He Takes Office

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — County Executive-elect Bruce Blakeman announced today that he will not enforce Gov. Kathy Hochul's mask mandate when he takes office on Jan. 1.

Hochul's mask mandate, which went into effect today, requires that people two and older wear masks in all indoor public spaces, unless the building requires proof of full vaccination. Public indoor spaces are any indoor space that is not a private home.

The mandate was imposed as coroanvirus cases rise again across the state, and with the new omicron variant spreading. According to the latest data from the state, Long Island had a 6.66 percent positivity rate on Sunday, with 788 new cases and three new deaths reported the same day.

But Blakeman said he will not be enforcing the mandate, instead opting for a "common sense" approach to combating the pandemic.

“Come Jan. 1, my administration will move Nassau forward with a common sense approach that acknowledges the facts, science and progress made by our residents while also protecting businesses and jobs from any further damage created by government mandates," Blakeman said in a statement. "Nassau County is not in crisis, and should not be painted with the same broad brush as the rest of the state. Ninety-seven percent of adults in Nassau County have received at least their first dose of the vaccine, and Nassau hospitals have adequate capacity to handle existing demand.”