Ulster County Requires Its Employees To Mask Up

KINGSTON, NY — As the number of positive coronavirus cases continues to rise in Ulster County, the county executive is taking measures to protect his workers and the public.

Executive Pat Ryan signed an executive order Tuesday requiring all Ulster County employees, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors effective immediately.

He also is requiring members of the public to wear masks when entering county-owned buildings and facilities.

Additionally, based on the current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the rise in cases brought on by the delta variant, Ulster County Commissioner of Health Dr. Carol Smith issued updated guidance that strongly recommends all members of the public wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

Ryan said, as the county continues to see the surge in coronavirus, safety protocols must be bolstered to ensure public health.

"As the science has consistently shown, masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 and ultimately save lives," he said. "And I am once again asking all residents who have not yet been vaccinated to do so immediately."

To date, 78.9 percent of Ulster County residents over the age of 18 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

County officials said it is not anticipated that a vaccine will be approved for children under 12 until late fall or early winter.

For information on how you can get vaccinated, go to VaccinateUlster.com.

SEE ALSO: Ulster To Reopen Best Buy Site For COVID-19 Booster Shots

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