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NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today the immediate lifting of COVID-19-related restrictions as 70% of the state’s adult population has been vaccinated (receiving at least one dose of vaccine).  The 70 percent threshold is a national standard. 

Effective immediately, state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions are lifted in both commercial and social settings including the following industries/businesses: 

• Agriculture 
• Amusement & Family Entertainment 
• Camps 
• Child Care 
• Construction 
• Fishing  
• Forestry 
• Food Services 
• Gyms 
• Manufacturing 
• Movie Theaters 
• Offices/Buildings 
• Personal Care Services 
• Real Estate 
• Retail (including malls) 
• Sports & Recreation 
• Trade 

Lifted restrictions include: 

• Social gathering limits 
• Capacity restrictions 
• Social distancing 
• Health screening 
• Cleaning and disinfection protocols 
• Contact information for contract tracing  

In anticipation of reaching 70 percent, the Governor previously announced that unvaccinated individuals will still be responsible for maintaining proper social distancing of six feet and wearing a mask as per federal CDC guidance.  Today, the Governor stressed that per CDC guidelines, mask requirements will remain in place for pre-K through 12 schools, public transit, and healthcare settings regardless of vaccination status.  

Private employers can choose to continue to follow COVID-19 restrictions or establish other health precautions for both employees and customers including requiring masks and social distancing.  

The Governor’s message today does conflict with the HERO Act he recently signed into law creating new workplace safety standards that every private employer in New York will have to follow. These standards govern a wide variety of topics, including health screening, masks and PPE, handwashing, surface disinfecting, social distancing, quarantines, and ventilation.  The BNP will be working to gain clarity for employers and encourages you to attend our upcoming event focused on complying with the HERO Act on June 24. 

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The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is committed to providing employers with the latest information and resources to help you deal with COVID-19 and its impact on our community, state and nation. Visit our Events and Resource pages as they are updated regularly to provide you with the most current information.

Do you have specific questions related to running your business or your business unit? Visit the BNP Business Link, a question and answer forum for, and by, the Buffalo Niagara business community.  Submit your questions and get expert answers on just about any topic from legal, IT, HR, NYS regulations, sales, marketing, communications and more.  It is quick, confidential, powerful and convenient.