Update Applicable to:
All employers in the state of New York

What happened?
The mask-or-vaccine mandate has been lifted for the state of New York.

What are the details?
Effective February 10, 2022, statewide indoor business mask-or-vaccine requirements will no longer be enforced and will remain optional for businesses, local governments, and counties to enforce.

On February 10, 2022, the New York State Department of Labor published a revised HERO Act Model Plan which provides that “if indoor areas do not have a mask or vaccine requirement as a condition of entry, appropriate face coverings are recommended, but not required.”

New York employers remained covered by the NY HERO Act, which, through at least February 15, 2022, requires all employees to wear masks unless everyone on-site (not just employees) is fully vaccinated.  This requirement remains in place as long as the Health Commissioner continues to designate COVID-19 as highly transmissible and the current designation is in place through February 15. 

For more information, please see the links below:

Governor Hochul Announcement

New York Department of Health Designation Extension Order (January 15)

NY HERO Act Model Plan

Article 1 – Article 2

What do employers need to do?
Employers should review the links above, contact their local county/city health departments to ensure they are in compliance and to ensure the safety of their employees.

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