Effective May 19, New York has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People,” issued May 13, for most businesses and public settings. Businesses are authorized to require masks and six feet of social distancing for employees and/or patrons within their establishments OR adhere to CDC guidance, which advises that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks and be socially distanced in most settings.*
- The Department of Health strongly recommends masks and six feet of social distancing in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Any mask requirements that businesses choose to implement must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act)
- * This provision applies across most commercial settings, including but not limited to retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings. However, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings are exempt and must continue to follow the State’s existing COVID-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.