State Posts Update to Mask Mandate FAQs – Answers Some Questions, Not Others

The New York State Department of Health has updated the Frequently Asked Questions: Proof of Full Vaccination or Mask Requirement for Businesses and Venues document to further clarify the requirements imposed on businesses by the State’s masking requirement.

The revised FAQ document reflects new guidance prohibiting “mix and match” vaccine and mask requirements for businesses and venues, answers a number of questions about the mask mandate in food service establishments, and clarifies compliance with local public health requirements including the New York City “Key to NYC” program. We’ve summarized those changes for you in this Summary of the FAQ Changes.

Unfortunately, there are a number of questions unanswered – including whether the State Liquor Authority will be tasked with enforcement. We are in contact with the Governor’s Office and the SLA in order to get the answers to your questions and to seek to ease the burden this mask mandate is imposing on you and your staff. We’ve made clear that while there may be a public health rationale for imposing this mandate, making your businesses and employees the “mask police” is unwelcome, especially at this time of year.

We will keep you informed of any additional changes to the FAQs or any other relevant information as it is released.