Schuyler discusses mask rules

Schuyler discusses mask rules

SCHUYLER COUNTY--The Schuyler County Legislature discussed the state's new masking policy during the Monday, Dec. 13 meeting. While some legislators voiced displeasure with the new policy itself, Deputy County Administrator Fonda Chronis said that even if the county wanted to enforce it, they are currently unable to.
"The enforcement side is virtually impossible, none of us have the staff to do it... effectively this is a mask mandate," said Chronis, who will be taking over the position of county administrator in the new year.
According to Chronis, enforcement of the new mask rules has been specifically tasked to county departments such as the department of public health and not the sheriff's department. However, Chronis said it is still imperative for the county to make every effort to educate the public on the importance of COVID prevention and vaccines.
Under the new regulations that went into effect Monday, Dec. 13, a business or venue can either ensure all entrants are vaccinated or that everyone is masked.
"My personal belief is that they went a bridge too far with this... when they clarified that this referred to every place but a personal residence? It's impossible?" said Legislator Mark Rondinaro.
While businesses are asked to comply, Chronis said the new regulations currently do not contain a mechanism to close businesses that do not comply. There is a fine of up to $1,000 per incident that can be levied according to state rules.
In Schuyler County, the current numbers regarding COVID-19 have expanded as the winter season and holiday have brought more people together inside.
Interim County Health Director Dr. Nancy King discussed the numbers for the legislature, announcing that currently there are 133 active COVID cases in Schuyler of whom 72 percent were individuals who were unvaccinated.
"We have a huge number of people in quarantine, 189, so that's a huge increase (since Thanksgiving)," King said.
When asked about vaccinated individuals who have contracted COVID, King said residents who had received the vaccine have much milder symptoms and are much less likely to be admitted to the hospital.
There was some confusion amongst the legislature as to how the mask rules applied to the group who was reported to be vaccinated. Several legislators did not wear a mask, however most people in the room did. County Administrator Tim O'Hearn, who attended the meeting remotely, said the rules for the building also extend to the legislature.
There was no determination made on the matter.
During the administrator's report, which was given by Chronis, it was announced the county is on pace to break $14 million in sales tax revenue. If that number holds true, it would greatly exceed the budgeted expectation of $11.5 million set by the previous year's budget.