New York to fine those refusing to wear a mask

NEW YORK New York City will impose fines on people who refuse to wear a face covering as the rate of positive tests for the novel coronavirus climbed above three per cent for the first time in months, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Tuesday.

Officials will first offer free masks. If the person refuses, they will face an unspecified fine, de Blasio said.

“Our goal, of course, is to give everyone a free face mask,” de Blasio said. “We don’t want to fine people, but if we have to we will.”

The new rule extends across the city a similar policy imposed this month in which commuters who refuse to wear a mask on public transit face a $50 fine.

The citywide daily positive test rate was 3.25 per cent, which the mayor attributed in part to nine areas.