BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Masks will be required at child care facilities for children ages two and older plus all staff and visitors, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.
The mask mandate applies regardless of vaccination status. It will also apply to residential and day programs, inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, substance abuse programs, juvenile detention programs, and more.
"With the Delta variant on the rise, requiring masks at state-regulated child care, mental health, and substance abuse facilities is a key part of our broader strategy for slowing the spread of the virus, reopening our economy safely, and protecting vulnerable members of our population," Governor Hochul said.
"For children under 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated, masks are the best line of defense against COVID-19 infection.
This new mask requirement ensures that children in our child care facilities receive the same protection as children in our schools."
The CDC in July recommended universal indoor masking for anyone age two and older who has not been vaccinated and is medically able to wear a mask.
