Mask mandate for students protested by group in Alden The group argues that with COVID-19 infection rates low, vaccinations on the rise, and mask restrictions lifted that restrictions should also be lifted for children. Author: WGRZ Staff Updated: 5:25 AM EDT June 4, 2021 ALDEN, N.Y. — A huge group of parents and community members gathered Thursday in Alden to protest the mandate that students still wear masks in school. The group argues that with COVID-19 infection rates low, vaccinations on the rise, and mask restrictions lifted that restrictions should also be lifted for children. The Alden event was just one of a dozen rallies like it planned across the country.