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KD Alert: New York Lifted COVID-19 Restrictions

Posted Jun 17, 2021

New York has lifted COVID-19 restrictions since more than 70% of New York adults have had at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The restrictions – including the completion of daily health questionnaires or health screenings, social distancing, capacity restrictions, contacting information for tracing, and cleaning/disinfection protocols – have been lifted.  The restrictions are now optional in commercial settings including offices, buildings, manufacturing and construction workplaces, retail spaces including malls, fitness centers, food services, personal care services, amusements and other settings.  
 
According to guidance from the CDC, unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear a mask.  In addition, pursuant to CDC guidelines, masks are still required on public transit, in large-scale indoor event venues – which hold more than 5,000 people – health care settings, nursing homes, correctional facilities, homeless shelters and Pre-K to 12 schools.  
 
The state no longer has a minimum standard for businesses to reopen, and it is up to the individual business to choose to lift all or some restrictions, to continue to implement restrictions or to implement other health precautions to protect their patrons and employees.  Specifically, businesses can still require masks and social distancing for all patrons and employees.  However, any business that imposes a mask requirement must follow all federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act).

KD IS HERE TO HELP
If you have questions about these developments, please contact one of KD’s experienced Labor & Employment Law attorneys: Keith J. Gutstein, Co-Managing Partner, Long Island Office and Co-Chair, KD Labor & Employment Law Practice Group, kgutstein@kaufmandolowich.com; John E. Mancebo, Partner, jmancebo@kaufmandolowich.com; Brandon Lee Wolff, Attorney, bwolff@kaufmandolowich.com

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