Local businesses, organizations updating mask and vax policies following Hochul announcement

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — With the announcement that the New York State indoor "mask-or-proof-of-vaccination" mandate lifted, businesses and organizations in Monroe County are announcing changes as well.

In most healthcare settings, nursing homes, prisons, airports and bus stations, masks are still required.

Government Buildings

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello tweeted Wednesday that starting Thursday, guests and employees will not have to wear masks inside county facilities.

With @GovKathyHochul lifting the indoor vaccinate or mask mandate for businesses effective tomorrow, I’m also ending the requirement that guests and employees wear masks inside county facilities. pic.twitter.com/8SgkDzFbcZ

— Adam J. Bello (@CountyExecBello) February 9, 2022

The City of Rochester has also lifted its mask requirements for guests and employees in city buildings.

Retail

Wegmans says that starting on Thursday, customers will no longer be required to wear a mask while shopping.

Wilmorite says that Rochester’s three malls—The Mall at Greece Ridge, The Marketplace Mall and Eastview Mall—have "hundreds" of privately operated stores between them which all have their own policies, so the company is encouraging everyone to have a mask.

Museums

The Strong Museum of Play says that it will no longer require guests to wear masks starting Thursday, but masks will still be strongly encouraged for all guests regardless of vaccination status.

The Rochester Museum and Science Center is strongly encouraging guests to wear masks during their visit to its three locations—the main museum, the planetarium and the nature center.

Venues

Blue Cross Arena announced masks and proof of vaccination will no longer be required for games and other events beginning Thursday, Feb. 10.