Governor Cuomo announced on June 7, 2021 that COVID-19 restrictions would become optional after 70% of adult New Yorkers receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. As of June 15, 2021, 70% of adult New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Accordingly, the State’s health guidance and New York Forward industry specific guidelines—including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing—are now optional for most commercial settings, including offices. Additionally, businesses are no longer required to develop a written business safety plan to outline how their workplaces will prevent the spread of COVID-19, except as required under the NY HERO Act. Businesses may choose to lift all or some restrictions, continue to abide by the State’s guidance and applicable federal and state laws, or implement other health precautions for employees and patrons. However, unvaccinated individuals are still obligated to wear masks in accordance with federal CDC guidance and New York state’s adoption thereof, regardless of whether the business continues to enforce COVID-19 restrictions.

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Seward & Kissel has established a COVID-19 Resource Center on our website to access all relevant alerts that we distribute.

If you have any questions regarding COVID-19 reopening guidance, or any other employment issues, please contact Anne C. Patin at (212) 574-1516, Julia C. Spivack at (212) 574-1373 or your relationship partner at the Firm.