Picente institutes Oneida County mask, temperature-check order through the holidays

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente on Thursday announced a temporary order requiring people to wear masks in all indoor public places for about the next month.

The order also calls for temperature checks at social gatherings happening outside of a private home, with an opt-out if proof of vaccine is required for entry.

The order will go into effect at 7 a.m. on Monday (12/13) and continue through Jan. 10, 2022. Oneida County will reevaluate the order at that time.

“Case numbers remain high and our hospitals are at capacity,” Picente said in a statement. “We must put more safeguards in place to protect our residents, especially during the increased activity of the holiday season. Combined with increased booster vaccines, these temporary mask and temperature-check orders will aid us in reducing the spread of COVID at this busy time of year without placing capacity restrictions on businesses, organizations and events.”

The mask order will require use in all public indoor settings such as retail stores, sporting and entertainment venues, restaurants, and personal-care establishments. Mask use will not be required while eating or drinking. This order does not apply to private gyms and fitness centers.

Temperature checks will be required for entry into any social gathering occurring outside of a private home, such as weddings, holiday parties, and fundraisers. Mask use is not required in these instances.

Businesses and facilities can opt out of the mask and temperature-check orders by requiring proof of vaccination for entry.

Picente made the announcement during a meeting in which he invited the leaders of county businesses, organizations, and educational and religious institutions to discuss the current COVID-19 situation and “encouraged all to step up [health] and safety efforts,” per his office.