Yates County removes mask requirement

YATES COUNTY--With the state mandate lifted, the Yates County Legislature voted Monday, Feb. 14 to end the masking mandate for Yates-owned or leased buildings. While the initial resolution called for the mandate to end only if the transmission rate fell under 5 percent, County Health Director Sarah Christensen said given new developments it would be allowable to lift the mandate.
"Our current positivity rate is 6.78 (percent)... back in September when the decision was made to solely go by the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicator... other things have come into play like boosters and vaccinations for children five and up," said Christensen.
The current availability of at-home COVID testing kits was another factor Christensen highlighted.
"So (residents) can know their (COVID) status if they show symptoms," added Christensen. "All of this needs to be taken into consideration and not just CDC indicators."
Despite lifting the mandate, Christensen and legislators still stressed the importance of taking COVID seriously and following appropriate actions if showing symptoms.
"People need to realize COVID didn't go away just because the mask mandate has been lifted," said Christensen. "We are still having viral transmission and if you are showing symptoms you need to get tested and if you are positive you need to (quarantine)."
Legislator Carlie Chilson applauded the measure.
"I am glad that we are going back to the days of personal choice and freedom to choose for what we want... for our own body... that is what America is about," Chilson said.
When public comment was allowed during the meeting, most of those who spoke celebrated the lifting of the mask mandate.
Masking is still required for anyone who is attending a vaccination clinic by the county.
During legislative reports, Chilson detailed concerns brought up by local municipalities that marijuana gifting shops remain in business despite a recent announcement by New York state that a crackdown was imminent.
"There is nothing in place to give to the chief to enforce it," Chilson said.
What authority the county has to deal with the issue, Chilson said she was unsure.
"I am not sure of the process, I know the neighbors are extremely concerned," Chilson added.
Regionally, raids have begun on businesses engaging in gifting marijuana with the purchase of a sticker or T-shirt, with a location in Waverly recently being raided by police.
Mason Harris was recognized by the board as the Yates County Distinguished Youth of 2021.