Protesters at state Capitol call on NY to end mask mandates everywhere

ALBANY – Even though New York state has lifted the mask mandate for businesses, it remains in effect for schools, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons.

Opponents say they want to see the process sped up.

They rallied at the Empire State Plaza in Albany on Friday, urging Gov. Hochul to end all mandates.

With COVID cases and hospitalizations coming down over the past month, they believe masks are no longer needed.

Even though Gov. Hochul says she’s not ready yet to lift the school mask mandate, she says a decision should be made when students return from their mid-winter vacation the first week of March.

Hear some of the protesters talk more about why they say now is the time for the masks to come off, by watching the video of Dan Levy’s story.