Are there exceptions for people who wear a mask for health or religious reasons?
Yes. Nassau law states:
“… does not apply to face coverings worn to protect the health or safety of the wearer, for religious or cultural purposes, or for the peaceful observance of a holiday or similar religious or cultural event at which the wearing of a mask or face covering is customarily required.”
The “health and safety” exception applies only to those who wear a mask to protect their own health and safety, not to those who wear a mask solely to protect others. For example, someone who wears a mask solely to protect an immunocompromised family member from contracting disease is not legally allowed to wear a mask in public due to Nassau County’s mask ban. People who are sick – such as with a cold or flu – and may be contagious are also not allowed to wear a mask to protect others and prevent the spread of disease.
Law enforcement must respect the religious practices of all persons with whom they come into contact. If you wear a niqab or burqa, you should not be forced to remove your religious garb unless absolutely necessary. For example, if you are arrested, law enforcement may order that your face not be visible if you must be photographed. If you are forced to remove your niqab or burqa, they may request that you be allowed to do so in a private room with female officers where no male officers are present. Currently, there are no codified policies in Nassau County governing how law enforcement must interact with persons wearing religious garments such as niqabs and burqas, and decisions regarding religious head and face coverings are at the discretion of the Police Department and Sheriff’s Office.
Do I have to provide police with evidence of my religious or health reasons for wearing a face covering?
No. Law enforcement cannot force you to provide a doctor’s note supporting your health reasons for wearing a mask, nor can they force you to disclose private health information.
Nor can they force you to provide proof of your religious affiliation or religious practice.
