Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Centerstate CEO Asks Public to Be Mindful of Businesses Navigating NYS Mask Easing Guidance

covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/covid-19-vaccine-tracker / 2021 Mapbox Open Street map

The easing of masking requirements across the state and locally on Wednesday still means businesses may or may not require fully vaccinated customers to wear masks due to the risk of COVID-19.  The President of Centerstate CEO in Syracuse says everyone is looking forward to experiencing normalcy but, he’s asking the public to cooperate. 

Rob Simpson says it’s really at the discretion of businesses as they have workers and families to keep safe too.

“…And while it certainly feels good to walk outside without a mask or perhaps to walk into a retail shop – if you’ve been vaccinated without a mask, if you’re allowed to.  We want to remind people that there is still a pandemic going on.” 

He adds that the public should remember that mask requirements where you shop or dine will vary, even if you’ve been fully vaccinated. 

“Give those business owners a break.  If they ask you to wear a mask, wear a mask.  If they tell you it’s ok not to and you’ve been vaccinated and you feel comfortable, don’t.  If you haven’t been vaccinated, we’re just asking people to be honest with themselves and be honest with the businesses they’re frequenting about their vaccination status.”

Centerstate’s member businesses have been expressing some confusion about the state’s new public health guidance for COVID-19 and they want clearer rules.  Businesses can ask for proof of vaccination status, if they allow customers to be maskless.  Nearly 225,000 Onondaga County residents have completed their vaccine series and nearly 257,000 have received at least one dose.

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.