NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York City said on Tuesday it would fine anyone not wearing a mask in public spaces, as the rate of positive coronavirus tests soared in the -over 3% for the first time in several months.
“We don’t want to impose fines on people, but if we have to, we will,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, adding that the fines could be as high as $ 1,000.
City staff will initially offer free masks to people who do not have their face covered in public. In case of refusal, a fine will then be imposed.
A similar measure was taken this month by the company managing New York’s public transport, with a fine of $ 50 imposed on any user without a mask.
(Jonathan Allen; French version Jean Terzian)
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