Rebecca Carballo is reporting for the Times Union Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin May 28, proclaimed that the community spread of the novel coronavirus is coming to an end and then called into question how effective masks and face coverings are, a position that runs contrary to current federal and state health department guidance. McLaughlin, a Republican, made the remarks during his daily briefing. “The truth of the matter — the community spread is done. It just seems like at this point it’s not community spread we are worried about,” he said. “You’re going to see healthcare workers, some nursing homes [infected] because of vulnerability there." McLaughlin did acknowledge a second wave is possible, but he emphasized that people need to get back to work. He was also critical of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to sign an order to allow store owners to refuse service to customers not wearing a mask or face covering. “I can’t wait for the Americans with Disabilities lawsuits on that, and here’s why: You have severe asthma, one lung, severe respiratory problems, COPD you can now no longer shop, you can no longer get food because of this governor. He’s out of his mind,” McLaughlin said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have issued guidelines and recommendations to wear masks in public. Read the full story in the Time Union.