The New York State Department of Health is issuing an emergency regulation requiring that masks be worn inside public and private school buildings. The statewide mandate calls for all students, staff, faculty and visitors to wear masks inside school buildings regardless of vaccination status. The order was filed three days after newly sworn-in Governor Kathy Hochul told New Yorkers in her inaugural address to expect a mask requirement in schools. This comes after the Cuomo administration said the decision would be left up to local districts.