Even with a potential shutdown looming, these Western New York businesses say they will not comply with the Erie County mask mandate.
Erie County Executive, Mark Poloncarz announced last week that the new mandate has been put in place to try to lower WNY's COVID-19 positivity rate,
Erie County will implement a 4 phase approach. Effective as of 11/23/21, we will enter into Phase One. There will be a mask mandate for all patrons and public facing staff, inside all public locations in Erie County. If Phase 1 can reduce the number of positive cases and decrease our hospital admission numbers, then we can prevent entering into a Phase 2. The plan is to assess the need for additional measures using COVID-19 case data, case rate and hospitalizations, unless conditions require an earlier implementation.
Currently, Western New York has a 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate of 10.30 percent, the highest in New York State.
A list circulating on Facebook states that these businesses will not enforce the mask mandate.
Duffs
Mutt Cuts Dog Grooming
Feel Rite
Neat
Santora’s
Maizal Mexican
Artones
Black Belt Body Gym
Financial Guys
Synergy Health
The Foundation
Salon Elizabeth
Extreme Sun Capsule
Joey’s Place
Goodrich Coffee
Athletes Unleashed
Tim Hortons on Clarence Center / Transit
Total Tan on Transit in Williamsville
Babz BBQ in Akron
Buffalo Brew Pub
Brunners Tavern
Big Lou's Langford Superette
Vice Buffalo, which is not on the list above, has stated on its Instagram page that it will not comply.
The WNY town of Marilla also says it will not comply with the mask mandate. Earl Gingerich, Jr., the Town of Marilla Supervisor, said via an email to WIVB,
“The town will defend our businesses and residents’ right to make their own decisions.”
**Even though Jada Blitz is listed below, they sent us a message saying they are currently enforcing the mask mandate