Gov. Hochul considering a face mask ban on New York City subways, citing antisemitic acts
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she is considering a ban on face masks in the New York City subway system, following what she described as concerns over people shielding their identities while committing antisemitic acts
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday that she is considering a ban on face masks in the New York City subway system due to concerns about people shielding their identities while committing antisemitic acts.
Hochul, a Democrat, told reporters the exact details of the policy are not clear but it would contain “common-sense exemptions" for health, cultural or religious reasons. Many people concerned about COVID-19 and air pollution routinely wear masks on the subway.
Hochul said she was in talks with lawmakers on potentially crafting a bill.
At at news conference in Albany, the governor said she was moved to act after “a group donning masks took over a subway car, scaring riders and chanting things about Hitler and wiping out Jews” on Monday night.
