5 Health Risks of Hochul's Mask Ban
Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed mask ban poses significant health risks. This policy jeopardizes public health and introduces serious challenges. Here are five major health risks of a face mask ban.
1. Heightened Exposure to Viruses and Pollution
A primary health risk of banning face masks is the increased spread of viruses like COVID-19 and the flu. Masks have been proven to reduce virus transmission, protecting both the wearer and those around them. Vulnerable populations, such as the immunocompromised, elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, rely on masks for their safety. With the rise in air pollution, all New Yorkers may need to increasingly rely on masks for protection. The proposed ban would increase suffering from pollution-related health issues and viral infections, including the potentially severe complications of COVID-19.
2. Issues Enforcing Health Exemptions and Assessing Need
A significant issue with a mask ban is distinguishing between different types of masks and their intended purposes. Masks come in many styles, including N95 and P100 respirators. Some, like PAPR and elastomeric masks, are less common but crucial for the most vulnerable. Law enforcement lacks the training to identify and differentiate these masks, leaving vulnerable groups open to being targeted. At least 10% of disabilities are “invisible,” making it impossible to judge someone's health status by appearance alone. COVID is airborne and can be transmitted very quickly, so even briefly removing a mask poses an immediate risk, and a mask’s seal can weaken each time the mask is removed.
Examples of Health-Related Masks
3. Decline in Mask Usage for Protecting Others
A medical exemption discounts able-bodied individuals who mask to protect others, or themselves. Since protective mask-wearing is not limited to those with diagnosed health conditions, it is impossible to prove who "needs" to wear a mask. Some wear masks to protect loved ones and high-risk households, which cannot be visibly discerned. Others may be unwilling to roll the dice with long COVID or other post-COVID health issues, which is their right. While one-way masking helps, many individuals, especially those with weaker immune systems, rely on others to wear masks for their safety. Many people wear masks to avoid spreading the virus asymptomatically, making it difficult to prove a medical need. The CDC's recent controversial reduction of isolation periods to one day and Hochul’s own elimination of COVID sick time for government workers force increasing numbers of people to work while contagious with COVID-19, increasing the risk of spread even further. The fact is that the more people mask, the safer we all are.
4. Increased Stigma and Harassment
Implementing a mask ban will exacerbate the already existing stigma and discrimination against those wearing masks, leading to bullying, harassment, and assault. This hostility already deters mask-wearing. Cancer patients have already faced attacks before North Carolina’s ban has even been put into law. People of color, who are statistically more likely to wear masks and at higher risk of severe COVID-19, could be disproportionately affected. Studies have shown racial minorities have faced biased enforcement of public health measures, resulting in racial profiling and unfair penalties. Even with health exemptions, the negative social implications of a mask ban would compromise the safety and health of New Yorkers.
5. Increased Virus Mutation Risk
Banning masks could significantly elevate the risk of COVID-19 spread and contribute to viral mutations, including outdoors. COVID-19 can spread outside, especially in crowds. This raises the overall case count and will likely increase the speed of mutations and surges. These mutations could yield variants more resistant to current treatments, worsening the public health crisis.
Take Action Against Hochul's Mask Ban
Join us in urging Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and other New York officials to uphold the right of all New Yorkers to wear a mask. Contact your representatives, write letters, and post on social media. If you are a member of or affiliated with institutions currently supporting mask bans, reach out and explain what the horrible cost will be for vulnerable New Yorkers. For detailed steps and contact information, visit this toolkit, created by Covid Advocacy NY. Together, we can protect public health and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.
Join Jewish Leaders Opposing the Ban
Share our open letter to Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, and consider signing if you are Jewish. This letter is open to all Jewish people affected by this legislation, whether as New Yorkers, commuters, or tourists.