On Friday, December 10, 2021, Governor Hochul announced an indoor mask mandate. Throughout the COVID pandemic, Cattaraugus County, by and through its Health and Emergency Services Departments and under the direction and cooperation of the County Legislature and Administration, has encouraged a multi-layered COVID mitigation strategy which has included mask wearing while indoors when social distancing is not possible, testing, and vaccination.

Nevertheless, the County will not force our local businesses to become an extension of law enforcement. It is unfair to threaten businesses with $1,000 fines per occurrence for failure to comply. Frankly, the County does not have the resources nor the will to enforce this mandate, either. Should a private business opt to require masking or vaccination for entry, that is the absolute prerogative of the private business.

The Cattaraugus County Legislature continues to encourage mask wearing while indoors when social distancing is not possible, testing, and vaccination, which will mitigate the spread and will allow the County and its residents, businesses, and institutions to get back to a more normal living and operating environment. The Cattaraugus County website and social media provides contact information and schedules for vaccination clinics and COVID testing.

Howard VanRensselaer