NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo approves “No Mask, No Entry” policy upon discretion of business owners

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• As early as April 15 at the height of the outbreak, Governor Andrew Cuomo already ordered New York residents to wear face masks.
• Cuomo’s Executive Order allows businesses to deny patrons without facial coverings or masks from entering their establishments.
• The use of face masks became controversial fter President Donald Trump repeatedly refused to wear one at public events.

In spite of the controversy surrounding the use of face masks or facial coverings in the US, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has this to say:

This executive order also leaves to the business owners’ discretion whether to allow or deny entry to unmasked/uncovered patrons.

“Private businesses have the right to refuse service and many stores and restaurants in New York have put up signs on their doors asking all customers to wear a mask or face covering upon entering.”

“That store owner has a right to protect themselves. That store owner has a right to protect the other patrons in that store,” Cuomo said. 

This clears the issue as the previous announcement did not state whether business owners are authorized to deny entry to clients.  The governor’s spokesperson is still to be reached for comments.

It can be recalled that during the height of the epidemic on April 15, Gov Cuomo ordered residents to wear face masks or facial coverings.  

Upon its effectivity on April 17, Individuals above 2 years old are required to cover face and mouth with a mask or any facial covering in public and maintain social distancing.  This EO also ordered all owners of essential businesses to provide their employees who have direct contact with clients or the public, to wear face masks.

Health officials continuously recommend the use of masks in public, but this created controversy after President Donald Trump repeatedly refused to wear face-covering at public events.

Source: CNBC