BY CHERYL SHUMWAY
North Country This Week

To mask or not to mask? That is the question.

Confusion abounds in St. Lawrence County since the mask mandate for fully vaccinated people was lifted in New York state starting Wednesday, May 19, with some exceptions, including schools, health care facilities, and public transportation.

Potsdam Walmart employees and customers were a mix of people both with and without masks. Signs still remained inside and outside the Potsdam store Wednesday afternoon stating “Face masks are required for all customers and associates, per local/state order.”

Walmart employees said it was optional for all fully vaccinated, and that the manager said the signs were going to be removed.

Price Chopper employees in Potsdam said they were still required to wear masks until they hear more from headquarters, and masks are recommended for customers, but not required. Mask mandate signs had been removed entering the store.

Kinney Drugs on Maple Street, had a sign outside their store that said, “If you are not yet fully vaccinated please wear a mask inside Kinney Drugs.” Kinney employees are all still required to wear masks, said the clerk at the front register.

Employees at T & R Wines and Liquors, Potsdam, and the store’s owner say masks for both employees and customers are now optional if fully vaccinated, following the new NYS guidelines. Employees were a mixed bag. Chase Simmons, of Parishville, was unmasked at the checkout register, while Dan Chichester, Potsdam, chose to wear a mask. Adding to the confusion, the sign outside the store said, “Please wear a mask. Thank you.”

Meanwhile, in Massena, Town Supervisor Steve O’Shaughnessy announced Tuesday masks and social distancing measures will no longer be required inside town hall for those who are fully vaccinated.

“We would ask that those who have not been fully vaccinated please follow the proper mask wearing and social distancing. Thank you for your perseverance and assistance during this most difficult time,” he said.