Patricia R. Doxsey reports in the Daily Freeman that on Dec. 5 Ulster County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith issued a public health advisory “strongly recommending” all county residents to wear masks in public spaces regardless of vaccination status. COVID-19 cases counts have been reaching pre-vaccine levels locally and in other parts of the United States, as the new omicron variant reaches these shores. “All individuals, regardless of vaccination status or past COVID-19 infection, should wear a mask at all times when indoors and in a public setting, including at groceries, building lobbies, offices, stores, and other common or shared spaces where individuals may interact,” Smith said in a press release announcing the advisory. “All employers in Ulster County should require their employees to wear a mask while working indoors, and while in close contact with the public or co-workers.” Last week Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan declared a state of emergency through Dec. 28 in Ulster County because of all the recent coronavirus cases there. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.