On Friday, December 10, 2021, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that all indoor public places in New York that do not require proof of full vaccination for entry must implement a mask mandate. These measures go into effect on Monday, December 13, 2021, and will remain in effect until reassessed on January 15, 2022. Further, the State's masking requirements continue to be in effect for pre-K through 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings as per CDC guidelines.
Businesses and venues who implement a proof of vaccination requirement can accept Excelsior Pass, Excelsior Pass Plus, SMART Health Cards issued outside of New York State, or a CDC Vaccination Card. In accordance with the CDC’s definition of “fully vaccinated”, full-course vaccination is currently defined as fourteen (14) days past an individual’s last vaccination dose in their initial vaccine series. New Yorkers can retrieve their Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus, here. Businesses can download the free Excelsior Pass Scanner app, here.
Businesses and venues that implement a mask requirement must ensure all patrons two (2) years and older wear a mask at all times while indoors. New York State Department of Health continues to strongly recommend mask-wearing in all public indoor settings as an added layer of protection, even when not required.
If you have any questions regarding this article, please contact the Underberg & Kessler attorney who regularly handles your legal matters or Ryan T. Biesenbach, the author of this piece, here, or at (585) 258-2865.