STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
March 27, 2025
Contact: Vito Grasso, Executive Vice President at 518-469-5237/ vito@nysafp.org
Family Physicians Call on NYS Leaders to Ensure the Protection of New Yorkers’ Right to Wear a Mask and Safeguard Public Health
“The New York Academy of Family Physicians (NYSAFP), which represents nearly 6,000 physicians, residents and students in family medicine, is deeply concerned by the news of a proposal to ban face masks and coverings in public that is now being pushed for inclusion in the New York State Budget” said NYSAFP president Dr. Rachelle Brilliant.
“While the Academy understands that the intent behind this proposal is to prevent criminal activity, health or religious exceptions are not enough and will not be implemented feasibly. This policy would undoubtedly threaten the health of immunocompromised and medically vulnerable New Yorkers and could be selectively enforced by police officers.”
“Academy members remain dedicated to our immunocompromised patients including those who may be battling cancer or cannot receive recommended vaccines. We must support the right of people who want to wear masks for health and safety concerns. Masks continue to be crucial as this has been the worst flu season in 15 years, there are rising measles cases and bird flu cases in the U.S, and many New Yorkers are still being hospitalized and dying from COVID, as well as being impacted by Long COVID.”
“NYSAFP urges Governor Hochul and lawmakers to not include any anti-mask legislation in the New York State Budget. Vulnerable people should not be forced to risk their health to participate in public life and we must protect New Yorkers’ health and rights to privacy and free speech.”
NYSAFP represents nearly 6,000 family physicians, residents and students across the State. NYSAFP Family Physicians are board-certified and specialize in family medicine. Family physicians focus on the whole patient providing care throughout their lifetime. They provide comprehensive healthcare services to treat diseases and injuries in all age groups from newborns to the geriatric population and across all medical fields. Family Physicians focus on prevention, wellness and overall care coordination for patients and family medicine is the only specialty to focus on the care of the entire family unit. Family Physicians are also a main source of primary health care in New York and across the country.