Public health experts expressed concerns regarding Nassau County’s newly enacted ban on wearing masks in public, especially as COVID-19 cases are on the rise. This law could pose significant challenges for individuals with various medical conditions.
Experts worry that the exemption for those wearing masks for health reasons might be misunderstood by the public and law enforcement. Perry Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, noted, “The message is, ‘COVID is over and you don’t have to worry,’ while globally, we are witnessing a surge in COVID cases.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed the bill, making it a misdemeanor to wear a mask to conceal one’s identity in public. Violators could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
What to Know
- Criticism from Public Health Experts: The new ban has faced backlash despite its exemption for medical reasons. Proponents argue it aims to reduce crime and anti-Semitic acts.
- Concerns About Public Perception: Experts fear the law equates mask-wearing with criminal activity, potentially deterring individuals from using masks to protect against COVID-19 and other illnesses.
- Vulnerable Populations: Older individuals and those with health conditions that increase their risk for severe illness may be disproportionately affected by this law.
Proponents of the bill cite concerns over protesters wearing masks during the Israel-Hamas conflict, which made identification difficult, and the use of masks in criminal activities. The law also prohibits wearing masks on private property without consent.
There is an exemption for masks worn for medical or religious reasons. Halkitis emphasized that the law wrongly associates mask-wearing with crime, thereby empowering anti-mask sentiments.
Dr. William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University warned that the law could be misinterpreted, leading to public hesitance in wearing masks and potential overreach by law enforcement.
“Every Saturday morning, I do a run through the supermarket. I’m one of the very few people wearing a mask, and if I were in Nassau County I would hope the long arm of the law would not reach out to me,” Schaffner remarked.
Dr. Irina Gelman, Nassau County’s health commissioner, reiterated the exemption, stating that the law does not apply to facial coverings worn for health protection.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder mentioned that the law would assist officers in enforcement without infringing on rights, clarifying what constitutes a medical or religious exemption.
Health systems in Long Island, including Northwell Health, indicated that the ban does not affect them due to the medical exemption. Barbara Osborn from Northwell Health advised patients with conditions like cancer or immunosuppression to wear masks in high-risk environments.
Dr. Stuart Ray from Johns Hopkins University highlighted the need for masks for individuals with severe allergies or chronic lung conditions in certain environments.
Dr. Stanley H. Weiss expressed understanding of the concerns leading to the ban but emphasized the need to consider individual health risks. He noted that police may not be equipped to assess complex health issues effectively.
“I don’t know how a police officer judges what are complex health and health-risk issues,” Weiss stated, suggesting that carrying notes from physicians might not be a practical solution.
By Lisa L. Colangelo and David Olson
Lisa Colangelo joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019, previously covering politics and government. David Olson has reported on health care for Newsday since 2015.
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