Gov. Kathy Hochul is enacting a new mask mandate as COVID-19 cases surge across the state.

The governor announced that businesses and venues will need to implement a mask requirement or require proof of fully vaccinated status. The new mandate starts Monday and remains in effect until Jan. 15.

Hochul says increasing infections, reduced hospital capacity and insufficient vaccination rates in some areas prompted the decision.

Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rated increased by 43% and hospitalizations are up by 29%.

Long Island's own positivity rate has reached 6.2%.

The requirement will apply to both customers and staff.

Republican Nassau County Executive-elect Bruce Blakeman would not say if he plans to enforce the mandate, but is pushing back, writing that "It is clear that Nassau County is not in crisis and state government should not paint us with the same broad brush as the rest of the state."

Frank Antonetti, co-owner of the sports bar Rust and Gold in Huntington, says safety is a top priority but he is concerned that stricter rules could soon come.

"After everything we've all been through I think most business owners have a little PTSD left in them and we're kind of wondering where this is going to lead," Antonetti says.

Other businesses like Almond Restaurant have already implemented their own vaccination requirement. Owner Eric Lemonides says it's been great for business.

After that date, New York will reevaluate the status of cases, hospitalizations and vaccination rates.