New indoor mask mandate begins December 13

The following information was released today by the New York State Governor’s office:

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement. This determination is based on the State's weekly seven-day case rate as well as increasing hospitalizations. 

·        The new business and venue requirements extend to both patrons and staff. 
·        This measure is effective Dec. 13, 2021 until Jan. 15, 2022, after which the State will re-evaluate based on current conditions.
·        A violation of any provision of this measure is subject to all civil and criminal penalties, including a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation. 
·        Local health departments are being asked to enforce these requirements.
·        Businesses and venues that implement a mask requirement must ensure all patrons two years and older wear a mask at all times while indoors. 
·        The State's masking requirements continue to be in effect for pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings per CDC guidelines.    
  
Business/Venue Proof of Full-Course Vaccination Requirement    
·        Businesses and venues who implement a proof of vaccination requirement can accept Excelsior Pass, Excelsior Pass Plus, SMART Health Cards issued outside of New York State, or a CDC Vaccination Card. 
·        The State also accepts WHO-approved vaccines for these purposes. 

COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are free and widely available statewide. New Yorkers can visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. To schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site, New Yorkers can visit the Am-I-Eligible site. New Yorkers can also contact their health care provider, county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health centers, or pharmacies. 

New Yorkers can retrieve their Excelsior Pass or Excelsior Pass Plus here. Businesses and venues can download the Excelsior Pass Scanner app—free for any business nationwide and available in more than ten languages—here.    

FOR COMPLETE DETAILS ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK HERE.