12.10.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Hochul Imposes Statewide Mask Mandate
Blog Categories
December 10, 2021
This morning, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she is imposing a mask mandate for all indoor public settings in New York State, effective Monday.
The mandate comes with one notable exception: venues that require proof of vaccination for entry do not have to require masks.
Hochul said she will reassess the state’s COVID-19 status on January 15. However, businesses can expect this mandate to remain in place until then.
Hochul is asking local health departments to enforce the mandate, and violations can be met with fines.
The policy mirrors a mandate issued by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz last month. Hochul’s announcement will not change much for businesses in Erie County, but those in surrounding counties should take note. In Poloncarz’s announcement, he said he would reassess the county’s progress on December 13 to determine if additional restrictions were warranted. It is unclear at this time whether Poloncarz or Hochul will implement additional restrictions.
The BNP remains in contact with our leaders and has urged them to eschew restrictions that would hinder our regional economy.
The BNP will keep you informed as the State Department of Health finalizes policy details.
Update (12/10 3:28pm): The NYS Department of Health released formal guidance on this ruling, available here. Notably, the document defines “indoor public place” as “any indoor space that is not
a private residence.”
Update (12/13 8:37am): The state recently released a list of frequently asked questions on this mandate, available here.
This Wednesday, December 15, the BNP will host a webisode with the Employer Services Corporation (ESC) on the details of the new mandate. The presentation will provide a higher level of clarity for the business community and the opportunity to ask specific questions on behalf of your business.
Related Posts
What Employers Need to Know About the HERO Act
Recently, Governor Cuomo signed the NY HERO Act, a bill that creates new workplace safety requirements. This legislation will have wide-ranging implications for employers across the state. The BNP strongly advocated for changes to make this legislation less burdensome.
5.19.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: NYS Releases Updated Mask Guidance for Employers
As we told you earlier this week, beginning today, New York State adopted CDC public health guidance for fully vaccinated New Yorkers. The new guidance gives employers the choice of adopting the new CDC guidance or maintaining mask/face covering and social distancing policies for both employees and customers.
Senate to Consider Innovation & Competition Act
The U.S. Senate has begun formal consideration of the U.S. Innovation & Competition Act (S. 1260), previously known as the Endless Frontier Act. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, recently passed the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and a floor vote is expected by the end of May.
5.17.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Cuomo Lifts Mask Mandate for Vaccinated New Yorkers
Starting this Wednesday, May 19, 2021, fully vaccinated New Yorkers no longer need to wear a mask or face covering outdoors and in most indoor settings.