(WBEN) - As some states begin to ease on COVID restrictions, some too are easing on mask mandates that have been in place for several months.
Mississippi lifted its statewide mask-wearing mandate. Local mask mandates remain in Florida, but the Governor lifted all state-wide restrictions there. In Tennessee, counties have began dropping the mask mandate as their restrictions on capacity in businesses also go away.
Still, doctors generally agree that wearing a face mask in public is the best way to stop the spread of Coronavirus. CDC Director Robert Redfield even went as far as saying face masks are likely more effective than a vaccine during the first months of one being deployed.
So why don't masks and reopening go hand-in-hand, and what should we expect to see in New York?
"We've entered this polarized political environment on this and that's dangerous," said State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt.
Ortt, along with other Republican State Lawmakers have been pushing for the Governor to allow more businesses to be able to reopen. However he doesn't see why in the eyes of many, being for easing restrictions also means easing mask mandates.
"We can keep people safe and reopen the economy. We can be doing both. We should be doing both."
Ortt said that reopening goes hand-in-hand with wearing a mask, and doesn't have to mean being cavalier with public health measures.
"I know there are a lot of people who don't like the mask," Ortt said. "If that's what it takes to have restaurants open, if that's what it takes to have business open... If that's what it takes to help the American economy I'll make that sacrifice. Also, you're protecting the spread and maybe saving somebody's life."
