As you may know, the CDC recently updated its guidelines regarding COVID-19 exposure to eliminate the quarantine requirement after close contact with someone who has COVID-19 for all individuals regardless of vaccination status. 

While New York initially declined to adopt this revised guidance, as of today, September 14, 2022, the New York State Department of Health is following suit. As a result, individuals in New York who have been exposed to COVID-19 but are not exhibiting symptoms do not need to quarantine unless they develop symptoms or test positive.

Accordingly, employers no longer need to provide paid or unpaid COVID-19 Quarantine Leave to employees following close contact with someone with COVID-19, unless the employer requires the employee to quarantine despite applicable guidelines.

Individuals who either test positive for COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms and awaiting COVID-19 test results remain required to isolate for at least 5 days and employers must still provide New York COVID-19 Quarantine Leave (at least until the end of 2022 when the law is currently set to expire).

Employers should continue to monitor the CDC Guidelines for any changes or updates. 

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If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact our Labor & Employment attorneys or the primary EGS attorney with whom you work.