Blankenbush Opposed to Mandatory Masking for Children

In response to updated daycare and summer camp guidance requiring children over the age of 2 to wear a mask

***Editor’s Note: for a video on Assemblyman Blankenbush’s remarks, click here

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) is opposed to the governor’s latest directive that will require children as young as two to wear a mask in daycares or summer camps. This guidance came days after the governor announced fully-vaccinated individuals no longer need masks. Countless parents have called Blankenbush’s office expressing confusion and anger with this arbitrary directive.

“I am very much opposed to the governor’s directive requiring children to wear masks at daycares and summer camps, whether they will be indoors or outdoors. It makes little-to-no sense. At the height of the pandemic, children were encouraged to wear masks, not mandated. Now, as much of the state unmasks and re-opens, the governor says masks for children will be mandatory? This is mixed messaging at a time when our residents need clear leadership from state government.

“I similarly came out against mandatory vaccinations the first time it was floated in our state. We need fewer regulations and directives from this governor in order for our state to fully recover from the effects of the pandemic. It is my hope that the governor reconsiders this whimsical directive and our children are afforded some normalcy this summer,” said Blankenbush.