New York Supreme Court strikes down governor's mask mandate for schools and public areas

Last edited Tue Jan 25, 2022, 12:49 PM - Edit history (1)

A New York state Supreme Court judge on Monday struck down Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul's mask mandate for schools and other public spaces.

Driving the news: Enacting any laws to end COVID "is entrusted solely to the State Legislature," Judge Thomas Rademaker wrote in the opinion.

"Should the State Legislature, representative of and voted into office by the citizens of New York, after publicly informed debate, decide to enact laws requiring face coverings in schools and other place places then the Commissioner would likely be well grounded in properly promulgated and enacted rules to supplement such laws."

What they're saying: "My responsibility as Governor is to protect New Yorkers throughout this public health crisis, and these measures help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives," Hochul said in a statement.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/york-supreme-court-strikes-down-010754131.html

On edit: NY schools told to keep masks after judge overturns mandate

New York state education officials told school administrators to continue enforcing the state's mask mandate for students and teachers Tuesday despite a judge's ruling overturning it, causing confusion as some districts rushed to make masks optional.

The Education Department said the state had filed notice that it would appeal Monday's ruling by a judge on Long Island, a step that could keep the rule in place at least until its planned expiration Feb. 1.

“While these legal steps occur, it is NYSED’s position that schools should continue to follow the mask rule,” said department spokesperson Emily DeSantis.

But in some districts, administrators immediately made masking optional for students and staff.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ny-schools-told-to-keep-masks-after-judge-overturns-mandate/ar-AAT7QPC