New York State Court Halts 'Indoor Mask Mandate'... "Law Must Be Established First"

Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A court has blocked the indoor mask mandate pushed by the state of New York in the United States.

According to UPI on the 24th (local time), a New York state trial court ruled that Governor Kathy Hochul does not have the authority to enforce such a measure and declared the indoor mask mandate unconstitutional.

The court stated, "There is no doubt that all residents of New York state hope that the era of COVID-19 will soon come to an end," but added, "However, enacting specific laws to end COVID-19 is the responsibility of the state legislature."

Earlier, on the 11th of last month, Governor Hochul ordered that masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces, with violations subject to fines of up to $1,000.

Governor Hochul is expected to appeal the court's decision. Immediately after the ruling, she issued a statement emphasizing, "As governor, my duty is to protect the people of New York during this health crisis, and measures such as the indoor mask mandate help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and save lives."