12.13.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Statewide Mask Mandate Now in Effect
Blog Categories
Josh Veronica
December 13, 2021
Starting today, Governor Kathy Hochul is imposing a mask mandate for all indoor public settings in New York State. According to guidance from the New York Department of Health, an indoor public place is any indoor space that is not a private residence.
The mandate comes with one notable exception: venues that require proof of vaccination for entry do not have to require masks. Since Hochul’s announcement on Friday 12/10, the state has released a list of frequently asked questions on this mandate, available here.
Hochul said she will reassess the state’s COVID-19 status on January 15. However, businesses can expect this mandate to remain in place until then.
Hochul is asking local health departments to enforce the mandate, and violations can be met with fines. The policy mirrors a mandate issued by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz last month.
The BNP remains in contact with our leaders and has urged them to hold off on restrictions that would hinder business hours/capacity and our regional economy.
This Wednesday, December 15, the BNP will host a webisode with the Employer Services Corporation (ESC) on the details of the new mandate. The presentation will provide a higher level of clarity for the business community and the opportunity to ask specific questions on behalf of your business.
Related Posts
Manufacturing Council Hosts: Navigating lending, tax law changes and the future of PPP
The Manufacturing Council hosted a virtual meeting to discuss the future of COVID-19 related governmental financial assistance and lending opportunities for local businesses.
The federal government is supplementing the original Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and new United States Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) guidance is released on a continuous basis.
Manufacturing Council Hosts: Employer Liability Protection
The Manufacturing Council hosted a virtual meeting for all local employers, especially in the manufacturing sector, who are concerned about facility safety standards and employee safety in an ever changing business and regulatory climate.
5/20 Webisode: NYS Reopening Guidelines: HR & Legal Implications
The Partnership hosted a webisode to review reopening guidelines and the safety business plan template.
NYS released industry specific guidelines for the reopening of businesses, which include a Business Safety Plan Template. Having a clear and available safety plan will be a critical part of the reopening process for businesses.
5/1 Webisode: NYS Shared Work Program – Retain Employees During a Slowdown
The economic impacts of COVID-19 are affecting Buffalo Niagara businesses and their workforce. Fortunately, there are state programs to help – The NYS Shared Work Program helps employers avoid some of the problems caused by a layoff.