Mask Mandate Update

 Please share with your Lodges - 

Mask mandate guidance from PSP Phil Conaty:

Here we go again.

As I am sure everyone knows by now, the Governor has issued a new mask mandate that is effective this Monday December 13th and will remain in effect until January 15th, at which time it will be re-evaluated. While the actual executive order is not yet posted on the Governor’s website, based upon the attached determination from the Department of Health, it would appear that the Governor has left it up to the Department of Health to determine the guidelines. There is also now a FAQ page on the Governor’s website (governor.ny.gov)

This new mandate applies to Elks Lodges. For the purpose of this new mandate, indoor public space means any indoor space that is not a private residence. An Elks Lodge, under this definition is a public indoor space even if it limits entry to members

This new mandate gives lodges two options. Lodges need to choose one or the other. There is no mixing of options.

Option One: Only admit fully vaccinated people to enter the Lodge and requiring proof of vaccination status as a condition of entry. Someone will have to examine the person’s CDC card or Excelsior Pass. (I would suggest compiling a list of people who have been vaccinated so everyone does not have to pull out their proof of vaccination each and every time that they enter the Lodge.

Option Two: All persons, over the age of two and able to medically tolerate a face covering/mask, regardless of vaccination status, shall wear an appropriate face/covering while inside the lodge except when in the act of physically eating or drinking. This means that the mask may be removed only when taking a sip of a beverage or when placing food in the mouth.

(Note- I can find no guidance on the issue of how it is determined that a person is not medically able to tolerate a face covering/mask.  This is certainIy not a function of the Lodge. I would think that such a person would have a doctor’s note to that effect and anyone claiming not to be able to tolerate wearing a face covering/mask should be required to show a doctor’s note.)

This new mandate will be enforced by the Department of Health. Violations can be fined up to $1000 per violation.

 

If anyone has any questions, concerning this new mandate, they may contact PSP Phil Conaty at philconaty54@gmail.com or by calling 845-798-7231.