NEW YORK (AP) – While New York City works to meet reopening criteria, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday he will sign an executive order allowing businesses across the state to deny entry if a person isn't wearing a face covering.
Today I am signing an Executive Order authorizing businesses to deny entry to those who do not wear masks or face-coverings. No mask - No entry.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 28, 2020
Cuomo said people “don’t have the right” to potentially expose others to the virus.
Mayor Bill de Blasio also says New York City businesses that try to reopen before coronavirus restrictions are lifted will face fines starting at $1,000.
The mayor said Thursday that businesses are not supposed to "make up their own rules and jump the gun."
New York City is the only jurisdiction in the state that has not met Cuomo’s guidelines for the first phase of New York’s four-part reopening process.
De Blasio said he expects the city to enter Phase 1 during the first two weeks of June.
But some merchants either have already opened their businesses or have said they plan to.
