Cortland County to Follow Centers for Disease Control Guidance on Mask Usage

Cortland County will follow the State and Federal recommendations regarding the use of face coverings and
social distancing among people who are protected by the COVID-19 vaccine.

Beginning today, if you are fully vaccinated, you can go most places without a mask, indoors or out, and not
worry about staying 6 feet away from others.

There are exceptions; you still have to wear a mask at schools, nursing homes, homeless shelters, correctional
facilities, health care facilities and on public transportation, including ride sharing services.

If you are not vaccinated, keep wearing a mask when you’re within 6 feet of others.

Cortland County urges business owners to continue following their respective COVID safety plans which
include additional cleaning and sanitation protocols. Following these plans will help to ensure the health and
safety of employees and customers. Businesses are free to require all their customers to wear masks or
follow the State’s lead and allow fully vaccinated people to go without. The County urges businesses to
work with employees and customers to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe as we continue working
to reopen our local economy.

Cortland County Legislative Chairman Paul Heider says, “We are pleased to see the mask restriction lifted
for those that have been vaccinated.” “In order to keep this forward momentum up we urge everyone who is
eligible for vaccination that has not already done so to seek out a vaccine.”

County Public Health Director Lisa Perfetti reminds the public that there continues to be many options in
our community for getting vaccinated. There is a vaccine clinic being held tonight (May 19th) from 4pm-6p
at the SUNY Cortland Ice Arena. Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome.
https://apps2.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?DateID=C198081F043E0212E0530A6C7C15C
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Additionally, smaller clinics will be held on June 3rd, from 4pm-6pm, at the Willet Fire Station and June 9th,
from 4pm-6pm, at the Truxton Fire Station. Registration links will be available on the County website and
walk-ins will be welcome. Several local pharmacies are providing COVID vaccinations as well.

Heider went on to say, “We are slowly turning the corner on COVID but we must not become complacent
or forget that we can still see clusters of COVID. Everyone needs to keep doing their part, and this includes
washing frequently, staying home when you don’t feel well and getting vaccinated.”