PJ Wendel

Even though face masks are now required statewide for virtually all public indoor locations, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel doesn’t believe he has the resources to enforce it.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that masks would be required in all indoor public places unless the businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. The rule will last at least until Jan. 15.

Under the mandate, businesses can either require proof of vaccination for entry or ensure all patrons two years and older wear a mask. Violators could face civil and criminal penalties, including a maximum fine of $1,000.

“Our position is the county does not have the resources to send out health inspectors (or others) … to find out who’s not going to comply,” he said during a phone call Monday.

Wendel was surprised when Hochul made the announcement. “There was no indication this was coming,” he said.

He is concerned that this new statewide mask mandate will create problems among residents. “Some people are looking for a conflict. I’m not looking for that. We’re not looking to increase the conflict among our businesses. They’ve had enough,” he said.

Wendel doesn’t like threatening businesses and individuals with fines over masks. “You’re using force to try to enforce something that hasn’t been real successful. We don’t support that,” he said.

Even though Wendel sees the mask mandate as unenforceable, he still wants to see residents comply with what the business asks. He noted that earlier that day, he went to a gym to exercise and signs were up telling people to wear a mask. “Do I like wearing a mask? No, but I did it,” he said.

He said his focus will continue to be on educating people to get vaccinated. Wendel noted that just recently a friend of his who was 51 years old and had no underlying health issues died of COVID-19. “That can be prevented,” he said.