Coronavirus News: New York's face covering rule now in effect

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Saturday, April 18, 2020
NY face mask requirement goes into effect tonight
All New Yorkers are required to wear face masks or coverings beginning tonight. Candace McCowan has the details.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- All New York state residents who are in situations where they cannot maintain social distance are now required to wear a mask or face covering when out in public. The order went into effect at 8 p.m. on Friday.

For MTA passengers, that means putting a mask on before boarding.

In announcing the requirement, Governor Andrew Cuomo pointed not just to mass transit, but said wearing a face covering is required during even private car service, including Uber and taxis.

"Is this inconvenient? Yes," the governor said. "But you're in a closed environment, by definition. You're not socially distancing, by definition. This is a precaution for everyone that I think balances individual liberties with a social conscience."

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