NEW CITY, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Rockland County schools, childcare centers and bus companies can now be fined thousands of dollars if they do not require children, faculty and staff to wear face masks.
County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert and County Executive Ed Day announced the new order on Thursday.
Under the order, all educational institutions, childcare programs and school transportation companies will be responsible for ensuring all children over age 2 cover their noses and mouths with acceptable face coverings at all times, other than during approved mask breaks where students can maintain social distancing.
If institutions and businesses do not enforce the rules, and evidence is sent to the county, they can be fined up to $2,000.
Day says residents have already been reporting violations to Rockland officials.
“We have got numerous complaints of children in buses not social distanced, not wearing masks, and the sad part is the way the law reads normally, if someone violates a statute you have to give a summons to that person. We're not looking to give summons to 6-year-olds, that's ridiculous, but the health order allows us to focus on the bus company and/or the school district themselves,” Day explained.
Day adds most of the noncompliance so far has been on private school buses.
The order came just one day after Gov. Andrew Cuomo threatened to pull state funding from local governments that do not enforce coronavirus guidelines.
Rockland County has been identified as having a large number of coronavirus cases, and some parts have been labeled red and orange zones by the state. In those areas, all schools and non-essential businesses must close until further notice.
Related
State rules say all residents in those areas must also be wearing face coverings when out in public.
“We are in the midst of a deadly Public Health Emergency, and we have seen many recent cases linked to schools, daycares and congregate settings throughout the County,” County Health Commissioner Ruppert said in a statement. “Masks have shown to be effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Given the recent increases in active cases, we must all redouble our efforts to protect the health of residents and especially children.”
Reports of possible violations can be made to the County's COVID-19 Hotline at (845) 238-1956 on Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm or via email to COVIDCallCenter@co.rockland.ny.us.
Stay informed, stay connected — follow WCBS 880 on Facebook and Twitter. Download the RADIO.COM app + favorite WCBS 880 for breaking news, traffic and weather alerts.