Despite being seen clubbing with celebrities this week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams chose to postpone the end of the toddler mask mandate.
Adams was seen partying with model Cara Delevingne and musician A$AP Rocky during an event at One Vanderbilt on Monday.
During the promotional event for a Wells Fargo credit card, Adams said “So everyone who moved to Florida, get your butts back to New York City because New York City is where you want to be”.
On Friday, a Staten Island judge lifted mask mandates for toddlers citywide. Richmond County State Supreme Court Judge Ralph Porzio said the mandate was “arbitrary, capricious and unreasonable”.
Attorney Michael Chessa said “It’s effective immediately”. “It strikes down the order from the department of health,” he added. “All throughout the city every child ages 2 to 4 everywhere doesn’t have to wear a mask”.
Shortly after the judgement, Adams said the city will seek an appeal and requested a stay to keep the mandate in place.
“I think it’s imperative that due to the rise in cases that we’re seeing, as slight as they are; our plans were to take a week to assess the numbers before removing masks to 2 to 4 year olds,” he said.
“Of course, we’re going to comply with any ruling from the judge. Our legal team is going to put in place an appeal and ask for a stay,” Adams continued. “We truly believe this is within our powers to execute what is best for the City of New York”.
On Friday, Adams encouraged New Yorkers to wear masks in shared spaces. “If you don’t know the vaccination status of people in a room, wear your mask,” he said.
