Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel on Wednesday said he supported the governor’s decision to lift the state’s mask mandate. He noted that the county will not implement a local masking mandate going forward.
“Chautauqua County welcomes this decision by Governor Hochul,” Wendel said. “Since the beginning of this recent surge, Chautauqua County has enacted a multi-layered approach to mitigate the community transmission of COVID-19.”
In a news release, the county said employees and visitors who enter Chautauqua County buildings may continue to wear masks if they so choose, but are not required to do so. Masks will still be required in areas controlled by the Office of Court Administration in the Gerace Office Building as mandated by New York state.
Masking is also still mandated in the following settings: schools, child care facilities, all health care settings regulated by the Department of Health and other related state agencies, nursing homes, adult care facilities, correctional facilities, detention centers, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, public transit and transportation hubs, as well as trains, planes and airports in accordance with federal regulations.
Wendel said the county strongly recommends people getting the COVID-19 vaccine and booster as well as frequent hand washing, social distancing, and staying home and being tested for COVID-19 when ill.