Emergency Order Requires Masks In Lewisboro Indoor Public Spaces

LEWISBORO, NY — The town of Lewisboro is among the first in the Hudson Valley to issue rules requiring both vaccinated and unvaccinated members of the community to wear masks in public.

On Thursday, Supervisor Peter Parsons, with support of the town board, declared a local emergency in the Town of Lewisboro. The declaration orders that masks shall be worn at all times in indoor spaces accessible to the public, with the exception of people seated in Taverns and Restaurants.

"We have seen the continued rise of active Covid-19 cases in our town and therefore, the Town of Lewisboro decided that mandating masks in all indoor spaces accessible to the public would be the prudent thing to do to protect our community including the vulnerable and children under 12 who are not yet eligible for a vaccine," Lewisboro officials said in a statement announcing the new emergency rules. "In addition to wearing masks, it is important that those who are eligible for vaccinations to please get vaccinated. Vaccinations are our best defense."

This current declaration is good for 5 days, at which time it could be renewed. Lewisboro lawmakers said the town might also consider a more permanent local law. That action would require a notice of public hearing.

Prior to the decision, Parsons and the town board heard a presentation from Lewisboro resident Dr. Marcy Kelly. She encouraged the town to enact the rules explaining simply that "the virus needs a host in order to survive and spread, masks reduce the ability of the virus to spread."