NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Rockland County has ordered face coverings for all children in schools, daycare programs and school buses, with violators facing a fine of up to $2,000 per day.
County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announced the order Thursday.
Educational institutions, childcare programs and school transportation companies are now responsible for making sure children and students over the age of 2 are covering their noses and mouths with acceptable face coverings at all times.
There is an exception for "approved mask breaks where students can maintain social distancing."
A civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation per day can be issued to schools, childcare programs and transportation companies if a child, student, faculty, staff member or visitor is found without a face covering in any program, school or vehicle.
"It is critical that we do everything within our power to protect the children of our community," Day said in a statement. "This order gives our inspectors the ability to issue fines to the businesses and institutions responsible for the safety of our children."
Parts of Rockland are among the areas in New York state dealing with a spike in coronavirus cases. Sweeping restrictions have been imposed in the clusters, including the Rockland ZIP codes of 10977 and 10952.
According to the state, 8.40% of people tested were positive in Rockland "focus areas" on Wednesday. That's compared to 1.09% statewide.
"Given the recent increases in active cases, we must all redouble our efforts to protect the health of residents and especially children," Health Commissioner Ruppert said.
