Most Are Complying With Town's New Mask Law: New Castle Police

CHAPPAQUA, NY — Most residents are wearing masks, as mandated by the town government, when social distancing is not possible, New Castle police said Thursday.

Others have been voluntarily compliant when approached and provided education by officers, police officials said. So they addressed a NIXLE alert to the rest. "If you have not been adhering to the Governors’ Executive Orders regarding face-coverings, please do so going forward. The last thing we want to do is issue you a summons."

New Castle is the first local government in the state to pass a local ordinance to mandate face masks to stop the spread of COVID19. On July 14, the Town Board held a public hearing and then unanimously approved the local law to require face masks. The fine for not complying: $250 the first time and $500 for a second offense.

On the town's website, officials said they passed the law during a period of high tension in the community.

It was due first to the 27-case coronavirus cluster resulting from residents refusing to wear masks or practice social distancing at the Horace Greeley High School graduation and related parties.

Then, there were continuing reports of non-compliance even after a state-ordered quarantine of everyone who had been at the graduation or the parties.

Town officials described the situation:

Subsequent to the quarantine directive, the New Castle Police Department continued to receive reports regarding parties and other events where social distancing was not being practiced, disregarding the Governor’s Executive Orders on mask wearing and social distancing, as well as the quarantine order itself. With tensions running high in the community – over 300 households were in quarantine, many of whom had not left their vehicles during the ceremony nor attended the parties that weekend – at the behest of residents, the Town began to explore more seriously its options with regard to enforcement of the Governor’s Executive Orders.

Another spike in COVID-19 cases could put schools reopening in jeopardy, an issue that is important to many New Castle residents, town officials said. "To be clear, this is not new policy. Our Local Law is aligned with the Governor’s Executive Orders. By passing a local ordinance, we have simply given our police department an enforcement mechanism, which does not exist in the Governor’s Executive Orders."

SEE ALSO:

• Residents Flouting Pandemic Rules Called 'Arrogant' And 'Selfish'
• Officials Beg New Castle Residents To Follow Pandemic Protocols
• NY To Probe Coronavirus Outbreak After HS Graduation Ceremony