Gov. Kathy Hochul's move to mandate mask-wearing in public places drew mixed reactions in the Capital Region, where one county executive blasted Friday's announcement and said he would not use county resources to enforce it.

Due to rising coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, New Yorkers will be required to wear face masks in indoor public places, unless the business or venue has a vaccine requirement for entry, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday. The requirement is effective starting Monday, and will be re-evaluated on Jan. 15.

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy backed the decision. He said the statewide policy will help stem the tide of new infections and prevent more hospitalizations and deaths during the upcoming winter months.

“I have continually said that any kind of mask or vaccine requirement would only be truly effective if it’s done at least on a regional basis," McCoy said.

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said the state will have to enforce the mandate in Rensselaer County, because the county will not use its resources to enforce it.

“This is the wrong direction for the state to be taking, especially given the innumerable orders, policy changes and directives already made during the past two years," McLaughlin said. "This is an overreach and it comes at a time when residents and businesses are already struggling.”

But Troy, the largest municipality in Rensselaer County, will comply with the new public health rules and require face masks be worn in City Hall and all other city-owned public facilities, regardless of vaccination status, Mayor Patrick Madden said in a statement.

“New variants of COVID-19 pose risks to public health and threaten the progress made to rebuild our local economy," Madden said. "As cases and hospitalizations rise, this is a simple, common sense approach to keep New York families safe this holiday season, and I urge Troy residents to take precautions to prevent a winter surge by getting vaccinated, scheduling their booster shot, and wearing a mask indoors.”