SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)- Masks are an accessory we all know too well. They are now being recommended, not mandated, indoors in Onondaga County where COVID levels are considered high by the CDC. Local businesses, like Manny’s, have no indication from outside that customers must wear masks.
Ben Nester, the manager of Manny’s a clothing store on Marshall Street, said the business suffered when masks were required. He personally is not a fan of masks being recommended again.
“I guess as a business stand point, I kinda, don’t really like it, but you know for health reasons I guess it’s important, especially for some people if they are elderly or if they have compromised immune systems. I think that would be a great idea, but for the general public I don’t think we need to do that anymore,” Nester said.
Everyone’s level of comfort is very different but this recommendation also affects residents of Central New York. Will they be wearing K-N95 masks, surgical masks, cloth masks?
Syracuse student and CNY resident, Ellie Hammonds explained that masks make her feel more comfortable especially when there are many people around her.
“I do get a little anxious in crowded places without masks on, um I’m already an anxious person and then when COVID hit and we were in isolation for awhile I just got super giddy I don’t know,” Hammonds said.
Syracuse University removed its mask mandate in August. The University has not released a statement on the updated CDC guideline and Ben Nester hopes it stays that way. With Manny’s located so close to campus and parent’s weekend approaching in two weeks, Ben Nester explained masks hurt the store financially.
“It’s a huge weekend you know. That would definitely affect business if everyone had to wear masks again,” Nester said.
Although Manny’s may not recommend masks, they do still have plastic barriers up and things like hand sanitizer to prevent the spread.
Each of New York’s counties were considered low risk for most of the summer but now only twelve counties remain in the green. The CDC updates their community level maps each Thursday.
