The Nassau County Legislature passed the Mask Transparency Act Monday – a law that prohibits the wearing of masks in public in some scenarios.

Those over the age of 16 will not be allowed to wear masks, unless it is being worn for the person’s health, religion or celebratory purposes. Officials say police will be the ones to determine whether or not the masks are being used for those purposes.

Legislators explained their reasoning for supporting the measure during the hearing.

“I think it is a valuable tool for law enforcement, another tool they need to have,” said Legislator Howard Kopel.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman stated that “people should not be able to cover their face in a manner that hides their identity when in public.”

People could face up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to a year in jail for a mask violation.