Skip to main content
Legal Update Article

New York Lifts Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions

With 70 percent of adult New Yorkers having received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, as of June 15, 2021, New York lifted restrictions imposed on most industries under the NY Forward and COVID-19 Safety Plan rules that had been in effect since last spring.

COVID-19 rules remain in effect for large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings.

While the recently updated NY Forward rules for select industries are no longer in effect, the state’s implementation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on May 19, 2021, for unvaccinated individuals remains in place and requires unvaccinated employees to wear masks and social distance.

Employers still need to be cognizant of their general duty obligations under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA continues to recommend that businesses follow CDC guidance related to COVID-19. Such guidance recommends that individuals (regardless of vaccination status) self-monitor for symptoms and individuals with COVID-19 and COVID-19 symptoms quarantine pursuant to Department of Health recommendations. Employers might want to consider a brief policy or memo reminding employees of their ongoing obligations to assist in preventing COVID-19 spread, even as the state’s mandated rules are lifted.

Employers still await the Department of Labor’s and the Department of Health’s issuance of their model airborne “Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standards” under the HERO Act. Such standards are due to be released by July 5, 2021. Employers will have 30 days from the date those model standards are issued to adopt either the model standard or implement their own standard.

Jackson Lewis attorneys are closely monitoring updates and changes to legal requirements and guidance and are available to help weed through the complexities involved in state-specific or multistate-compliant plans.

If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to the Jackson Lewis attorney with who you regularly work, or any member of our COVID-19 team.

© Jackson Lewis P.C. This material is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute legal advice nor does it create a client-lawyer relationship between Jackson Lewis and any recipient. Recipients should consult with counsel before taking any actions based on the information contained within this material. This material may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. 

Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.'s 1000+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and diverse, and share our clients' goals to emphasize inclusivity and respect for the contribution of every employee. For more information, visit https://www.jacksonlewis.com.