As COVID-19 protocols change, fewer establishments and businesses are requiring masks and COVID-19 vaccination proof to enter. However, the Centers for Disease Control still suggest them as a way to protect yourself and others. 

In aims to prevent masked crime, New York City Mayor Eric Adams is telling store owners to get customers to remove their masks before entering to prove their identity, allowing them to put their masks on afterwards after showing their faces.

“When you see these mask-wearing people, oftentimes it’s not about being fearful of the pandemic, it’s fearful of the police catching them for their deeds, and we’re really putting the call out,” said Adams during an interview with radio station 1010 WINS.

Facial recognition can be used for both store employees and security cameras to be better able to identify criminals for a crime. 

“I think this suggestion will prevent crime because you need to show your identity. This can help detect the crime,” said WJPS freshman, Eleftheria Karam.

WJPS senior Thekli Chronis said, “I think it’s reasonable for places like going to the airport or a doctor, to check the identity. But, I think there’s really no point in doing this like wearing it and then taking it off.”

“Blue medical face masks and money. Us Dollars and a face mask. illustration of expensive mask prices. COVID-19 Has Caused A Shortage Of Face Masks” by focusonmore.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0.