Stec: Partial Lifting of Mask Mandate Long Overdue

Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury) today acknowledged Gov. Kathy Hochul made the right, albeit belated, move in lifting the mask mandate on businesses. He also encouraged the governor to do what’s right for students and lift the mask mandate on schools immediately, rather than postpone a decision on that until early March. 

“The decision by Gov. Hochul to lift the mask mandate on small businesses was long overdue,” Stec said. “Much of the country has been easing COVID-related restrictions for weeks and the mask mandate seemed more about political science than trusting the actual science. 

"I encourage the governor to take the next step and end the mask mandates for schools,” he added. “Numerous studies have shown the detrimental effects masks have had on students’ social, emotional and intellectual development. Rather than postpone a decision on this for another month, we must move forward and repeal this mandate on our students and teachers.”