Another Blow to Business: Hochul’s Mask Mandate
I agree with The Post’s editorial criticizing Gov. Hochul’s order requiring universal indoor masking in public places (“Hochul Betrays NY,” Editorial, Dec. 11).
Just when we start believing the city is on the rebound from almost two years of COVID-related restrictions, the governor and her lame-duck partner, Mayor de Blasio, decide to issue unnecessary and confusing mandates. Just in time, too, to put a damper on the thriving restaurant and retail holiday businesses.
Since taking office, Hochul has acted as the panderer-in-chief, supporting far-left policies that she hopes will get her downstate votes in next year’s election. Anthony Scro
Whitestone
Inexperienced Hochul casts a pall over another Christmas season for revelers and businesses with her nonsensical mask mandate.
While she has little scientific evidence that the Omicron variant is any worse than a cold, Hochul has a pen and, alarmingly, unbridled emergency powers. Carole Campolo
East Hampton
I wondered how businesses would implement the governor’s hysteriadriven new mask mandate. Surely they won’t be able to check vax cards at their entry points to ensure avoidance of $1,000 fines per infraction?
The obvious answer was so enraging it eluded me until I went out today to do some shopping. Stores and other businesses are not going to check vax status. They’re simply going to require masks on everyone for entry into their establishments. Which prompts
the question: Why did I bother getting vaxxed?
Wake up, fellow citizens, this has not been about “safety” for a long time. The refusal to codify mitigating behaviors for the protection of atrisk populations and instead to have punitive mandates and restrictions forced on the entire population is about control, achieved through fear.
The way out is to stop being afraid. Demand better solutions. Michelle Graham
Oceanside
Evidently Monday was the first day of the state “mask or vax” regulation in retail stores and restaurants.
I live on Long Island, and the several stores I visited couldn’t care less about vaccination status. It was “mask up or don’t come in.”
Why get three shots if you still have to wear masks everywhere? Jeffrey Miller
Merrick
Hochul’s mask mandate is based on — what, less than 100 people contracting the new variant? Enough.
We were told to get vaccinated and all would be well. Hardly. I expected
nothing less from Hochul. None of this is based on “science,” but unbridled hysteria and shameless pandering to the weak-minded and paranoid.
COVID is an airborne virus that will be with mankind indefinitely. Unfortunately, so will Hochul, if New York doesn’t end her political career the first chance it gets. Scott Westcott
Clifton Park
These tyrannical Democrats refuse to give up their iron-fisted control.
This mask mandate has nothing to do with keeping me safe. I’ve had three doses of the vaccine. A dirty piece of paper or cloth fixed to my face does nothing but impede my ability to breathe.
How about making mesafe by repealing the nobail law? Keeping criminals behind bars would make me safe. Deal with the mentally ill, who roam freely assaulting at will. That would make me feel safe.
Maureen McGroarty
Brooklyn
So now the masks go back on again. Merry Christmas!
Hochul has put business owners in the position of having to be vax cops. My local supermarket already has a sign out that it will require all people to wear masks inside.
Why the heck are Democrats pushing these mandates on businesses that have had enough trouble the last two years because of COVID?
This has to stop. We have to get on with our lives. Jerry Esposito
Southold