Jan 25, 2022 - Health

New York Supreme Court grants stay for indoor mask mandate

Ivana Saric

Shoppers with masks — People wear masks at an indoor mall in The Oculus in lower Manhattan. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

A New York appellate judge granted a stay on the state's indoor mask mandate Tuesday evening, leaving the rule in place as the issue is litigated.

Driving the news: The decision comes a day after a state Supreme Court judge struck down the rule. An appellate court will hear an appeal Friday.

The big picture: Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced the indoor mask mandate back in December.

"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 Monday.
"We strongly disagree with this ruling, and we are pursuing every option to reverse this immediately."

What they're saying: “Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that wearing a mask saves lives," New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement Tuesday evening after the stay order was granted.

"This mandate and today’s decision are critical in helping to stop the spread of this virus and protect individuals young and old. We will continue to do everything in our power to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers," she added.

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New York Supreme Court grants stay for indoor mask mandate

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