Chapter 158

§ 158-1. Findings and purpose. A. In February 2020, the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention ("CDC") confirmed the first case in the United States of a new respiratory disease called the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). COVID-19 is caused by a virus (SARS-CoV-2) that is part of a large family of viruses called coronaviruses. COVID-19 spread rapidly in population centers in New York, including those within the County of Westchester. COVID-19 poses serious health risks to persons infected with the disease, particularly those with underlying medical conditions and the elderly. The spread of COVID-19 has caused economic hardship for many of the Village's residents and business owners and has significantly impacted the Village's ability to provide services to its constituents. It is therefore essential that the spread of the virus be slowed to safeguard public health, safety and welfare. B. The virus that causes COVID-19 is readily transmitted via respiratory droplet contact, especially in group settings. Droplet transmission can be reduced with the use of personal protective barriers, such as face masks. The CDC and other public health agencies have uniformly recommended that the general public wear cloth face coverings and that individuals not residing within the same household maintain at least six feet of social distance from one another to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by droplet transmission. C. On April 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.17 requiring any individual who is over the age of two and able to medically tolerate a face covering to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance. [Amended 1-19-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021] D. On May 28, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order 202.34 which authorized business operators and building owners to deny admittance to individuals who fail to comply with the Governor's face mask mandate set forth in Executive Order 202.1 or to require or remove individuals from the premises if such individual fails to wear a face mask as required. Nothing in Executive Order 202.3 or any other executive order prohibits or limits the right of state and local enforcement authorities from imposing fines or other penalties for any violation of the directive in Executive Order 202.17. E. The New York State Department of Health has issued industry guidance during the COVID-19 public health emergency for a variety of activities, industries and businesses which sets forth physical- distancing requirements to minimize the spread of droplets and airborne contaminants, including generally mandating a distance of six feet between individuals and when not able to do so, the wearing of acceptable face covering. F. The Governor has issued multiple executive orders limiting the gatherings of individuals, whether it is on public or private property. On June 15, 2020, the Governor issued executive order 202.45, which modified prior executive orders to "allow gatherings of 5 or fewer individuals for any lawful purpose or reason, so long as any such gatherings occurring indoors do not exceed 50% of the maximum occupancy for a particular indoor area, and provided that the location of the gathering is in a region that has reached Phase 4 of the state's reopening, and provided further that social distancing, face covering, and cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the Department of Health are adhered to." Thus, gatherings that do not exceed the Governor's limitations may occur so long as appropriate social-distancing and face-covering requirements are adhered to. G. Governor Cuomo has repeatedly stated that local governments have a responsibility to enforce social distancing, mask-wearing requirements and business closures and limitations. The Governor has warned local governments across New York State that if local officials do not enforce compliance with COVID-19 public health orders, areas will be closed again. The Governor has stated that he will reverse openings in areas that are not complying with the rules and in those areas where local governments are not enforcing the law. H. While voluntary compliance with the aforementioned health and safety precautions on public and private property is preferred, the Village has determined that the grave health risks and economic impacts associated with COVID-19 require enforcement mechanisms to protect the public health, safety and welfare of Village residents. This chapter therefore establishes mandatory requirements regarding the use of face masks and face coverings on private and public property in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson as well as penalties for any violation of the requirements of this chapter. § 158-2. Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: FACE MASKS AND FACE COVERINGS — Masks and face coverings include, but are not limited to cloth (e.g., homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana), surgical masks, N-95 respirators and face shields. § 158-3. Face mask or face covering required on public property. All persons shall wear a face mask or face covering which shall be worn covering the nose and mouth of the wearer at all times in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson when present in or on any public property or public space, including but not limited to any park, recreational facility, Village building, sidewalk, street, parking lot or plaza, when unable to maintain a distance of six feet from another person who is not a member of the same household. § 158-4. Face mask or face covering required on private property. All persons shall wear a face mask or face covering which shall be worn covering the nose and mouth of the wearer at all times when on private property located in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, including but not limited to business and professional offices, retail and personal service establishments, restaurants, child- care facilities, places of public accommodation, private clubs and religious establishments, when unable to maintain a distance of six feet from another person who is not a member of the same household. Residential property is exempted from the aforementioned requirements. § 158-5. Exceptions. [Amended 1-19-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021] § 158-5 MASKS AND FACE COVERINGS A. Face masks or face coverings shall not be required to be worn by any child under the age of two or by anyone who is unable to medically tolerate a face covering. B. Face masks or face coverings shall not be required to be worn if individuals maintain a distance of at least six feet from another person. Individuals who reside in the same household shall not be required to wear a face mask or face covering if located within six feet of each other. C. Drivers traveling alone or exclusively with members of their households in a motor vehicle do not need to wear face coverings. D. Individuals are not required to wear a face mask or face covering when they are actively eating and/ or drinking, or while seated at a restaurant. § 158-6. Enforcement; penalties for offenses. A. This chapter may only be enforced during the time that a declaration of emergency is issued by the Village Manager due to an epidemic or disease outbreak that is communicable through droplet contact or airborne transmission. B. The Police Department of the Village of Croton-on-Hudson shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. C. Any person found guilty of a violation of this chapter shall be subject to a maximum fine of $1,0 for each violation. [Amended 1-19-2021 by L.L. No. 3-2021] CROTON-ON-HUDSON CODE § 160-2