State Releases Regulations on Enforcement of Social Distancing Measures in Public Places
On June 23rd, Regulations on the Enforcement of Social Distancing Measures in public places in New York became effective. The regulations state that any person who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance, unless such person is “fully vaccinated,” provided the person is not present in a nursing home, health care setting, or other setting where mask use is otherwise required by federal or state law or regulation. An individual is considered “fully vaccinated” if two or more weeks have elapsed since their receipt of the final dose of any COVID-19 vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Furthermore, any employee who is present in the workplace and who is not fully vaccinated shall be provided and shall wear a mask or face-covering when in direct contact with customers or members of the public, or when unable to maintain social distance. Employees of food service establishments who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask or face-covering at all times while at their place of work. Businesses must provide, at their expense, such face-coverings for their employees.
A violation of these regulations is subject to all civil and criminal penalties as provided for by law. Individuals or entities that violate these regulations are subject to a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation. For purposes of civil penalties, each day that an entity operates in a manner inconsistent with these regulations shall constitute a separate violation.
Questions on the regulations may be directed to Katherine Ceroalo at 518-473-7488 or REGSQNA@health.ny.gov.
Contact: Sara Neitzel, sneitzel@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8835