Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz released a statement Sunday afternoon after a group photo picturing him not wearing a mask or social distancing went viral over the weekend.
Poloncarz said on Twitter that the photo was taken on Saturday along with members of a golf team that he's part of. The county executive said he was not wearing a mask because he 'plain forgot to wear one,' adding 'it happens.'
(WKBW) — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz issued a statement Sunday in response to a photo that has since circulated on social media of him in a group of people not wearing a mask. Opponents leap on image of Poloncarz in group maskless. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz says Covid-19 is now 'everywhere.' In July, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz took time during a. 19 hours ago ALBANY – Gov. Cuomo and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz don’t see eye to eye on whether the county, on its own, can demand fans. — Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) April 13, 2021 To date, about a third of eligible Erie County residents are fully vaccinated, while nearly 50 percent have had at least one dose, Poloncarz said. Poloncarz for Erie County, Buffalo, New York. 7,208 likes 281 talking about this. Official political campaign page for Mark Poloncarz. This is NOT an official government page. All comments are.
The photo was posted on the South Park Golf Club Twitter page, which can be seen below.
Great News: the South Park GC wins back the South Buffalo Cup against @CazGolfSB by a very close score of 19 - 17 points! Thanks to the Cazenovia GC team on a great match that came down to the final groups and fun day. pic.twitter.com/rScNdjZi8y
— South Park Golf Club (@SouthParkGCNY) September 26, 2020
Marc Poloncarz Twitter
Poloncarz also released the following statement:
'Yesterday I was part of a team golf event in which our team won and I was asked to get in a photo with some of the team members. I did and forgot to wear my mask. We stood together for about 15 seconds. I should have worn a mask but forgot. It happens. Our Department of Health considers a close contact being with others for more than 10 minutes. While I should have worn a mask nothing the team members did in that photo is contrary to our health protocols: We were outside, less than 20 people and together for the photo for about 15 seconds. This just goes to show how we can all make a mistake and reminds me why I must carry a mask with me at all times.'
Yesterday a picture was taken of me with members of a golf team I was on while not wearing a mask. I just plain forgot to wear one. It happens. My full statement on the photo. pic.twitter.com/xJfmxSNoXy
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) September 27, 2020Here in New York State, people are required to wear masks when they cannot safely socially distance from others.
Just the other day, Poloncarz tweeted that the best thing Americans can do to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by wearing a mask when you're unable to safely socially distance.
200,000 Americans have perished from the Coronavirus. While we can hope for the best going forward, until we have a vaccine the best way we can all protect ourselves is #WearAMask when we can't otherwise safely socially distance.
Be a good neighbor to all: wear a mask! pic.twitter.com/vUylAMMdK1
Mark Poloncarz Erie County Comptroller Twitter
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) September 23, 2020