Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across Western New York and hospitals are reporting near 90-percent capacities, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz tells WBEN a return to a mask mandate for all public spaces is being considered and a decision should be made within a couple days.
“All options are on the table," said Poloncarz as he appeared on WBEN's Hardline show with Joe Beamer Sunday. Poloncarz added that a response plan is being formulated.
While the thought of a return to mandatory masking is frightful enough for many, any return to restrictions on business, including closures or capacity limits, is terrifying to most.
“We’re not interested in shutting down businesses.”
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The COVID positivity rate for Erie County in recent days has been approaching 10-percent, among the highest in all of New York State.
“We are very worried as people go indoors and there’s more gatherings, there’s more spread of COVID,” said Poloncarz just days before many will be gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving in their homes.
Poloncarz says the positivity rate itself isn't the entire concern, but the stress COVID can place on area hospitals as their beds are nearing capacity is an added stressor.
“Hospital leaders are pleading with us to take action," Poloncarz stated. “We have to act appropriately so hospitals don’t get flooded."
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