New York State's COVID-19 Restrictions and New York Forward Industry Guidance Are Lifted effective June 15, 2021 Across Commercial Settings.
2023 Update
As of May 11, 2023, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) lifted the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration. Employers in New York should still be aware of COVID-19 Paid Leave, which is still in effect, as well as current guidance for new york employers regarding COVID.
New York State COVID-19 Restrictions End
New York State's COVID-19 Restrictions and New York Forward Industry Guidance were lifted on June 15th, 2021. This was across all commercial settings, including:
- Retail,
- Food Services
- Offices
- Gyms
- Fitness Centers
- Amusement and Family Entertainment
- Hair Salons
- Barber Shops
- Personal Care Services
- And Among Others
Large-Scale Indoor Events Venues, Pre-K to 12 Schools, Public Transit, Homeless Shelters, Correctional Facilities, Nursing Homes and Health Care Settings Must Still Adhere to Existing COVID-19 Health Protocols Per CDC Guidelines
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on June 15th, 2021 that COVID-19 restrictions that including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing are lifted immediately or are now optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings.
Unvaccinated individuals are continued to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Consistent with the State's implementation of the recent CDC guidance, masks are still required for unvaccinated individuals.
Businesses are authorized to require masks and six feet of social distancing for employees and/or patrons within their establishments OR adhere to CDC guidance, which advises that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks and be socially distanced in most settings.* This provision applies across most commercial settings, including but not limited to retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings.
The Department of Health strongly recommends masks and six feet of social distancing in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Any mask requirements that businesses choose to implement must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act).
Questions on COVID Guidelines in New York?
The updates and end to temporary regulations have left many scratching their head with questions. If you are unsure of what to do to stay compliant with New York COVID regulations, contact a New York HR Service today.
To get help with COVID and other HR-related issues, contact us today.
