NYS Adopts CDC Mask Policy – Awaiting Detailed Guidance – UPDATE 5/19

As you may have heard, the Governor announced today that New York State is adopting the CDC’s guidance on masks effective Wednesday. No details on what that means have been released as of yet, but we expect guidance to be issued prior to the change taking effect. We will update this post once we have more information.

UPDATE – May 19, 2021

We’re still awaiting updated guidance from the Department of Health and the State Liquor Authority, but guidance was issued yesterday for fairs and festivals addressed face coverings/masks. Based on that, here’s what we expect the State to say when they do issue guidance:

• Consistent with CDC guidance, fully vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear masks
• Businesses will not be required to verify vaccination status
• Businesses will be able to require mask wearing for all individuals if they choose
• Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks (based on an honor system)
• For indoor settings and settings where the vaccination status of attendees is unknown, the Department of Health will likely recommend individuals continue to wear masks (recommend, not mandate)

Please note that in spite of various reports the State has not removed the 6-foot physical distancing requirement, even for vaccinated people, in restaurants, bars, and taverns. You can continue to use physical barriers to separate people when 6-feet of distancing is not possible, but the 6-foot requirement remains in place.

While this is insufficient guidance to operate your business, it’s the best information we can offer at this time. Detailed guidance will be issued soon and we will update you once we have it.