People in ‘high-risk’ New York counties ought to put on masks indoors in public settings, Health Department says

NASSAU COUNTY, Lengthy Island (WABC) — The New York State Health Department is recommending that individuals in high-risk counties put on masks in all indoor public settings, no matter their vaccination standing.

According to the CDC, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess, Sullivan, and Ulster counties are actually thought-about excessive danger.

Most of New York Metropolis is listed at medium danger; the Bronx is taken into account low danger.

Along with high-risk counties, well being officers say everybody with compromised immune methods ought to keep masked whereas inside in public settings.

“These public health measures, as well as ensuring proper air ventilation when gathering, will help reduce COVID-19 transmission in communities and lower the risk of serious illness and hospitalization for individuals. We will continue to work with local partners and make every tool at our disposal widely available to New Yorkers, as we move forward through the pandemic,” stated State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett in an announcement.

Nassau County Government Bruce Blakeman says the county won’t change any polices.

“We encourage everybody to go about their life normally,” he stated.

Blakeman says his resolution is predicated on hospitalizations and ICU admissions — unline the state, which counts circumstances and deaths as properly.

“If those numbers spiked to a level that was dangerous, then, of course, we would look for guidance from our health comissioner and we would follow appropriate protocols. But right now, we’re not anywhere near a crisis situation,” Blakeman added.

Some residents of Nassau County say they’ve moved on, regardless of the dangers.

“I’m on the railroad every day, we wear masks — we’re cautious. But at the same time, I think we’ve had enough at this point and need to move on,” stated Blaine Capobianco.

Others do not perceive the reluctance.

“You know, if it worked before, let’s do what worked before,” stated an unamed Nassau County resident.

Whereas New York State has a masks advice, Blakeman says he wouldn’t rule out a masks order in Nassau County, however insists his personal information doesn’t come near supporting that.

Some residents informed us they’ve moved on, regardless of the dangers.

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