Indoor Business Mask Mandates Lifted
Governor Hochul announced yesterday that she is lifting the mask or vax mandate for businesses in New York State effective today, February 10, although counties and municipalities have the ability to put in place their own mandates if they choose. The NYS Department of Health also announced that it is lifting the mask mandate portion of the NY HERO Act in conjunction with the Governor lifting the mask mandate for business.
Below is an excerpt reflecting this change taken from the updated NY HERO Act Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan:
Effective February 10, 2022: Employees will wear appropriate face coverings in accordance with guidance from State Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as applicable. Consistent with the guidance from the State Department of Health, if indoor areas do not have a mask or vaccine requirement as a condition of entry, appropriate face coverings are recommended, but not required. It is also recommended that face coverings be worn by unvaccinated individuals, including those with medical exemptions, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Further, the State’s masking requirements continue to be in effect for pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, health care, child care, group homes, and other sensitive settings in accordance with CDC guidelines. New York State and the State Department of Health continue to strongly recommend face coverings in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required.
However, it’s important to note that employers continue to have the option of requiring masks to be worn in the workplace to mitigate spread of the virus based on business needs, vaccination status, etc.
Greater Rochester Chamber continues to be in direct contact with the Governor’s Office and will update members as more information becomes available. Greater Rochester Chamber members with questions can contact Kathy Richmond at Kathy.Richmond@GreaterRochesterChamber.com.