PRESS RELEASE
Cortland, NY – Governor Hochul announced today that, beginning Monday, December 13, 2021, masks
will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine
requirement (see the below link for more details).
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-major-action-address-winter-surge-and-
prevent-business-disruption
This announcement came as a shock, as no notification was given to County leadership or our Cortland
County Health Department. The County appreciates the Governor’s efforts to keep our hospitals open
and to protect our community, and will continue to help where we can. However, the State is expecting
local health departments to enforce this unexpected and unrealistic mandate, with little notice. Chairman
Heider, in consultation with our Public Health Director, know that this task is one that our heavily taxed
health department in not able to take on at this time. At this time, it is Chairman Heider’s decision that
enforcement, if any, needs to come from New York State and not Cortland County.
Businesses in Cortland County are encouraged to comply with this, as it is a mandate brought down by
New York State, though County officials do not want any of our valued businesses worrying about what
is to come Monday morning.
County officials would like to thank our community members for their continued efforts of masking
when appropriate, getting vaccinated and/or reaching out to healthcare providers for advice on
vaccination. Legislative Chairman, Paul Heider, stated, “One of the most important things we can
continue to do is to be kind to each other. We will all work together to keep Cortland County moving
forward.”
Cortland County is committed to working with our small businesses regarding this new mandate. Should
you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the legislative office at (607) 753-5048.
PRESS RELEASE
