Governor Hochul has announced that effective tomorrow, February 10, 2022, businesses in NYS no longer need to require a “fully vaccinated environment” in order to allow individuals to go maskless. As you are probably aware, the current rule is that either everyone be fully vaccinated or everyone (regardless of vaccination status) has to wear a mask. Starting tomorrow, only unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask indoors. Counties, cities and businesses can still choose to require masks at their election (though none of the downstate counties have done so as of 4:00 p.m. today).
Masks will continue to be required regardless of vaccination status in schools and childcare centers, on public transportation and planes (including in stations and airports), and in state-regulated healthcare and adult care settings.
Note that this change does not affect the NYC vaccination requirement for private employers or Key to NYC businesses.
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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.
