"it's the law" – not exactly.
Title: Section 66-3.2 - Face-Coverings
Effective Date
11/27/2020
Section 66-3.2 Face-Coverings
(a) Any person who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance.
(b) Any passenger of a public or private transportation carrier or other for-hire vehicle, who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering, shall wear a mask or face-covering over the nose and mouth during any such trip; any employee of such public or private transportation carrier who is operating such public or private transport, shall likewise wear a mask or face-covering which covers the nose and mouth while there are any other passengers in such vehicle.
(c) Any employee who is present in the workplace shall be provided and shall wear a mask or face-covering when in direct contact with customers or members of the public, or when unable to maintain social distance. Employees of food service establishments must wear a mask or face-covering at all times while at their place of work. Businesses must provide, at their expense, such face coverings for their employees.
(d) Business operators and building owners, and those authorized on their behalf or otherwise authorized to use the building shall deny admittance to any person who fails to comply with this section and shall require or compel such persons’ removal. Provided, however, that this regulation shall be applied in a manner consistent with the federal American with Disabilities Act, New York State or New York City Human Rights Law, and any other applicable provision of law.
(e) For purposes of this section:
(i) Face-coverings shall include, but are not limited to, cloth masks (e.g. homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana), surgical masks, and N-95 respirators.
(ii) A person shall be considered as maintaining social distancing when keeping at least six feet distance between themselves and any other persons, other than members of such persons’ household.
Statutory Authority
Public Health Law, Sections 201, 206 and 225 & Executive Order 202.14
Volume
VOLUME A-1a (Title 10)
https://regs.health.ny.gov/volume-1a-title-10/content/section-66-32-face-coverings#:~:text=Effective%20Date&text=(a)%20Any%20person%20who%20is,when%20not%20maintaining%2C%20social%20distance.