New Yorkers Face Fines For Not Wearing Mask, Social Distancing

You can now be fined in New York if you're not wearing a mask or practicing social distancing.

In April, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new executive order, all New Yorkers must have their face covered when in public when social distancing can't be maintained.

"Any situation in public where you can't maintain social distancing. If you can't maintain that social distancing, you have to wear a mask," Cuomo said.

New Yorkers are allowed to cover faces with a medical-grade mask or a cloth covering that covers the nose and mouth.

On Thursday, the New York State Department of Health issued an amendment to its "Enforcement of Social Distancing Measures." Among the changes are fines can now be issued to New Yorkers who aren't wearing a mask or practicing social distancing. Businesses can also be fined.

"Individuals who violate this Subpart are subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation," New York State Department of Health writes.

Any person over the age of two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering is required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance, officials say. A person is considered maintaining social distancing when keeping at least six feet distance between themselves and anyone else, other than members of the same household.