Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday, Dec. 10, that masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement
a vaccine requirement. This is a major action to address the winter surge as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide—to be in alignment with
the CDC’s recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The state health commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement.
This determination is based on the state’s weekly seven-day case rate as well as increasing hospitalizations. The new business and venue requirements extend to
both patrons and staff. This measure is effective Dec. 13 until Jan. 15, 2022, after which the state will re-evaluate based on current conditions. The new measure
brings added layers of mitigation during the holidays when more time is spent indoors shopping, gathering and visiting holiday themed destinations.
“As Governor, my two top priorities are to protect the health of New Yorkers and to protect the health of our economy. The temporary measures I am taking
today will help accomplish this through the holiday season,” Hochul said. “We shouldn’t have reached the point where we are confronted with a winter surge,
especially with the vaccine at our disposal, and I share many New Yorkers’ frustration that we are not past this pandemic yet. I want to thank the more than 80 percent of adult New Yorkers who have done the right thing to get fully vaccinated. If others will follow suit, these measures will no longer be necessary.”
Since Thanksgiving, the statewide seven-day average case rate has increased by 43% and hospitalizations have increased by 29%. While the percentage of New Yorkers fully vaccinated continues to increase—gaining 2% from Thanksgiving weekend to now—the uptick is not fast enough to completely curb the spread of the virus, particularly among communities with low vaccination coverage.
“Community spread requires a community-minded solution, as the Omicron variant emerges and the overwhelmingly dominant Delta variant continues to circulate,” said Dr. Mary T. Bassett, acting health commissioner. “We have the tools we need to protect against the virus – and now we must ensure we use them. There are tools each individual can use, and there are actions we can take as government. Getting vaccinated protects you, and wearing a mask is how we will better protect each other. Both vaccination and mask-wearing are needed to slow this COVID-19 winter surge.”
A violation of any provision of this measure is subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation. Local health departments are being asked to enforce
these requirements.
Business/Venue Proof of Vaccination Requirement
Businesses and venues that implement a proof of vaccination requirement must ensure that anyone 12 years of age or older is fully vaccinated before entering indoors. Businesses/venues can accept Excelsior Pass, Excelsior Pass Plus, SMART Health Cards issued outside of New York state, fullcourse vaccination through NYC COVID Safe app, a CDC Vaccination Card, or other official immunization record.
Business/Venue Mask-Wearing Requirement
Businesses and venues that implement a mask requirement must ensure all patrons past their second birthday and medically able to tolerate a face covering
wear a mask at all times while indoors outside of physical eating or drinking.
Continued Masking Requirements
Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Further, the state’s masking requirements
continue to be in effect for pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and health care settings
per CDC guidelines. (Submitted)
