COVID19: Remember Masks are a Must!

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued an Executive Order authorizing businesses to deny entry to individuals who do not wear masks or face-coverings. The Executive Order builds on the state's ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers and slow the spread.

Governor Cuomo: "Today, I'm signing an Executive Order that authorizes private businesses to deny entrance to people who do not wear a mask or a face covering. I have been working to communicate this message about masks and how effective they are. They are deceptively effective. They are amazingly effective. We've made them mandatory in public settings, public transportation, et cetera. When we're talking about reopening stores and places of business, we're giving the store owners the right to say if you're not wearing a mask, you can't come in."

The Governor also announced that New York State will distribute 1 million masks to New York City's hardest-hit neighborhoods today. The state has already distributed more than 8 million masks across New York City, including to NYCHA developments, food banks, churches and homeless shelters. New York State maintains a comprehensive testing network throughout the state, including more than 225 sites in New York City. New York's extensive testing—the state currently conducts tens of thousands of tests per day—now allows the government to pinpoint the state's hardest-hit neighborhoods for additional supplies and other aid.

In April, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued n Executive Order requiring all people in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to slow the spread of the virus when you're out in public. While not as effective as a medical-grade mask or an N95 mask, these coverings provide an extra layer of protection by blocking respiratory droplets, which is the primary way that COVID-19 is transmitted.

There are face masks that tie around the head, masks that loop over your ears, masks that offer an extra layer of protection with a filter, masks that are less expensive and even masks that are stylish.

The following 12 retailers are selling non-medical grade masks online, with and without pockets for filters. A nice bonus, they are also matching your purchases with donations. Many of these masks are sell out—but are constantly being restocked—so check back to find the one you want in stock.