Is New York's mask mandate coming to an end?

The state Supreme Court ruled that neither Gov. Kathy Hochul nor New York's Health commissioner had the authority to issue the mandate for schools and public places.

News 12 Staff

Jan 25, 2022, 1:22 AM

Updated 823 days ago

Share:

A New York Supreme Court Judge on Long Island has ruled the state's mask mandate is "unconstitutional" but schools are still required to enforce it - for now.
The state Education Department told districts Monday night that students must still wear masks because the state is filing an appeal.
Sources tell News 12 the governor and state attorney general are planning to take this case to a state Appellate Court as quickly as possible.
The judge ruled neither the governor nor the health commissioner has the authority to enact the mandate without the state Legislature since the governor no longer has emergency powers.
Hochul said she disagrees with the ruling and her administration will do everything to reverse it.
Parents continue to be split on how to move forward.
The state's public places mask mandate was set to expire next Tuesday and the school mask mandate at the end of next month. It's unclear if anyone will stop enforcing it in the meantime.
The New York State Education Department released the following statement:  "The State Education Department understands that Nassau County Supreme Court has ruled that the Department of Health exceeded its authority in enacting the mask regulation, 10 NYCRR 2.60, in Demetriou et al. v. New York State Dep’t of Health et al. This regulation is the subject of conflicting decisions, insofar as Albany County Supreme Court recently upheld the regulation in Massapequa UFSD et al. v. Hochul, et al.
It is SED’s understanding that the Department of Health will appeal the Nassau County Supreme Court decision, which will result in an automatic stay that will unambiguously restore the mask rule until such time as an appellate court issues a further ruling. Therefore, schools must continue to follow the mask rule."


More from News 12
1:29
Teen patients at Montefiore celebrate annual prom for first time since pandemic

Teen patients at Montefiore celebrate annual prom for first time since pandemic

1:55
Tracking some weekend rain, summer-like Sunday temperatures

Tracking some weekend rain, summer-like Sunday temperatures

1:55
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

1:40
Bronx residents say elevator has been out of service for weeks

Bronx residents say elevator has been out of service for weeks

2:03
Home Depot customers weigh in on recent stretch of bad encounters

Home Depot customers weigh in on recent stretch of bad encounters

2:08
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

0:56
Bronx nature-lovers celebrate arrival of cherry blossoms

Bronx nature-lovers celebrate arrival of cherry blossoms

0:30
Coney Island named a top 25 U.S. beach in Travel + Leisure

Coney Island named a top 25 U.S. beach in Travel + Leisure

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train