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2.9.22 COVID-19 Bulletin: Hochul Ends Mask Mandate; Poloncarz Will Follow Suit

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Josh Veronica

February 9, 2022

Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced she will NOT be renewing the state’s mask mandate, so the mandate will expire tomorrow.

The Governor’s announcement failed to proactively address how the removal of the mask mandate coincides with the NY HERO Act. On September 6th, Hochul triggered the HERO Act and has not yet deactivated it. The HERO Act required employees in many settings to wear masks, even before the statewide mask mandate was imposed.

The BNP has reached out to the Governor’s office for clarification on this question and will communicate any updates with you. Use the Department of Labor’s site, the BNP’s employer checklist, and the BNP’s HERO Act webinars for a refresher on what the HERO Act entails.

Hochul also noted that mask mandates remain in place in healthcare facilities, adult care and nursing homes, schools, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and public transit.

Hochul imposed the mandate in December after the Omicron variant sent cases skyrocketing. However, with declining case numbers, Hochul felt comfortable removing the mandate.

In Erie County, which imposed its own mask mandate before the state did, County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced on Twitter that the County will follow the state’s lead and repeal its mandate, effective tomorrow.

If your organization is short on COVID resources, the BNP is here to help. On February 16, the BNP is assisting Erie County with distributing a new supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Erie County businesses, free of charge. [past event - registration closed]

The BNP will keep you informed with any updates on COVID policy.

Update (2/10): The BNP got clarity from the Governor’s office on how this announcement coincides with the NY HERO Act. Learn more on our blog here.

8/20 Webisode: Borrower Beware: Defending PPP Loans from After-the-Fact Gov’t Scrutiny

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | August 20, 2020

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a lifeline to many companies faced with the existential threat of an unknown pandemic.  But the prospect of “free money” by loan forgiveness comes with ever-evolving strings – including the possibility of an audit and scrutiny by federal agencies with the jurisdiction and political will to investigate borrowers’ eligibility and use of funds.

The new mandate was issued as part of an executive order by Governor Cuomo and allows people to test-out of quarantine.

7/23 Webisode: Contact Tracing – What Employers Need to Know

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | July 27, 2020

Employers know they play a critical role in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keeping Buffalo Niagara’s economy moving forward.
The new mandate was issued as part of an executive order by Governor Cuomo and allows people to test-out of quarantine.