On Monday, some opposed to new mask mandates in Western New York are planning a week of protests.
The group in Buffalo says they are calling for quote 'positive acts of civil disobedience’ with a planned march on Buffalo City Hall Monday morning. They're also calling on school kids to walk out of class, Thursday. On Friday, they’re asking kids to lower their masks after the pledge of allegiance in protest.
A re-instituted mask mandate is in effect in Erie County. Anyone over 2-years-old must wear a mask in all indoor public locations in the county. In Monroe County, all employees at county facilities are required to mask up. Local businesses are being urged to require masks, but there is no mandate. Some counties are declaring emergencies because COVID cases and hospitalizations are at levels unseen in months.
How local authorities will respond to these protests or try to enforce the mandates is still unclear. In Erie County, a plan to further limit or shutdown public gatherings or businesses has already been announced if things get worse. Just like he did a year ago, a Western New York gym owner is pushing back.
"I will never close and they will never shut me down. And I'll never pay them a dime because I'm a free-born American and I am protected by the United States Constitution," said Robby Dinero of Athletes Unleased, Inc.
Dinero was fined $15,000 in 2020 for refusing to follow mask and social distancing mandates issued by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and enforced by Erie County. Dinero publically defied the order, ripping up the fine on national television.
Dinero successfully fought the original fine in court. This time around it's unclear what if any legal action Erie County will take to force compliance.
Dr. Edward Walsh at Rochester Regional Health says it's clear masking is effective at slowing the spread of the virus even if it's inconvenient. Along with social distancing, testing and vaccines. Walsh hopes people choose to follow the safety protocol.
"The masking does have an effect. And I think everyone should do that when in close proximity to others and in an indoor situation. My own personal view on this is that each and every individual in a society is responsible, not only for themselves but for the health and welfare of their family as well as their neighbors," Walsh said.
Twenty months after the pandemic began, Dinero says the fear many in the public initially felt is gone and more of his neighbors have had enough.
"We are winning in the court of public opinion. People are done with the overreaching government that is infringing upon our inalienable rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Dinero added.
A spokesperson for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz describes the planned “civil disobedience” as a dangerous "political stunt" meant to divide the community.
When it comes to the possibility of imposing fines Pete Anderson wrote, "We are more trying to encourage people to do the right thing by protecting themselves and others at the moment rather than focusing on punitive measures for the people/businesses whose self-interest and personal motives preclude them from caring about anyone else in the community. No sense in amplifying their message, which will only get more people sick."