New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Wheatley Heights) has announced that she recently introduced legislation (A.10570) to exempt the purchase of cloth face coverings from sales and use taxes. As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New York State Department of Health and health experts across the nation continue to recommend that everyone wear a cloth face mask in public to help combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“As regions across New York continue moving forward with phased reopenings, it is essential for us to continue being vigilant and promoting safe practices like wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing,” said Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre. “To this end, and in the interest of combatting the spread of COVID-19, this legislation will help more New Yorkers adhere to public health guidelines by removing an additional financial barrier that could wrongfully deter individuals from acquiring face coverings.”

Because a significant portion of individuals with COVID-19 can be asymptomatic and transmit the virus unknowingly, face coverings have been shown to be an effective means to prevent transmission. Several academic studies, including a recently published study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that among all the strategies for reducing transmission, wearing face masks may be the central variable that determines the spread of the virus.^[1]

Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre’s legislation has been referred to the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, where it will need to pass before moving to the Assembly floor for a full vote.

^[1] https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/06/10/2009637117#F2