Adams wants masks off to reduce thefts

NEW YORK — Mayor Eric Adams called on shoppers Monday to enter New York City businesses maskless from now on — a message aimed at reducing shoplifting, but one that runs counter to COVID-ERA recommendations to mask up when in enclosed public spaces.

Adams, who was speaking on “PIX11 Morning News,” didn’t entirely rule out masks in stores, saying shoppers could don face coverings moments after entering — as long as their face could be fully viewed before putting it on when first entering a store.

“Let’s be clear. Some of these characters going into stores that are wearing a mask, they’re not doing it because they are afraid of the pandemic,” he said. “They’re doing it because they’re afraid of the police, and we need to stop allowing them to exploit the safety of the pandemic by wearing masks, committing crimes.”

After COVID-19 first hit the city three years ago, city officials advised — and then mandated — New Yorkers wear masks in enclosed public places with some businesses making masks mandatory among patrons. The introduction of vaccines led to a loosening of maskwearing rules — and COVID-19 variants brought them back — but many establishments now view masks indoors as optional.

But for people with compromised autoimmune systems and those suffering from long COVID, masks are still viewed as a necessary form of protection when in an enclosed public setting.

Dr. Jay Varma, a top medical adviser under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, responded to Adams’ remarks, suggesting that patrons should have the option of keeping their mask on at all times.

“It is important that people who wish to safeguard their own health in public indoor spaces be permitted to do so,” Varma said.

Adams said Monday the city is now calling on shop owners to forbid patrons entering their stores if they have a mask on, but he did not say exactly how they should go about doing that, or what they should do in the event of confrontations.