12.13.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Statewide Mask Mandate Now in Effect
Blog Categories
December 13, 2021
Starting today, Governor Kathy Hochul is imposing a mask mandate for all indoor public settings in New York State. According to guidance from the New York Department of Health, an indoor public place is any indoor space that is not a private residence.
The mandate comes with one notable exception: venues that require proof of vaccination for entry do not have to require masks. Since Hochul’s announcement on Friday 12/10, the state has released a list of frequently asked questions on this mandate, available here.
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.
The BNP remains in contact with our leaders and has urged them to hold off on restrictions that would hinder business hours/capacity and our regional economy.
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
State Releases HERO Act Safety Standards
Today, the New York State Department of Labor published its Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention standards as mandated by the NY HERO Act. These exposure controls apply during a disease outbreak as designated by the Commissioner of Health. Governor Cuomo lifted the COVID-19 state of emergency on June 24, so no designation is in effect at this time.
7.1.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Where are we on Infrastructure?
As we enter July – Senator Schumer’s target finish line for the infrastructure package – many details remain in the air. President Biden recently joined a bipartisan coalition of Senators to announce a deal had been reached on infrastructure. But, until the ink is dry and the votes are cast, debate is far from over.
6.24.21 Webisode: What Employers Need to Know About the NY HERO Act – #1
The NY HERO Act creates 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.
6.21.21 BNP Advocacy Alert – Poloncarz Announces ARP Spending Plan
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced today his plan to invest the county’s share of local aid from the latest COVID-19 relief package.
The American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion economic stimulus plan signed by President Biden in March, provided $178 million to Erie County.
Poloncarz said the county’s “RENEW Plan” will invest $123.7 million in: