As we previously reported, New York State passed the Health and Essential Rights Act (“HERO Act”) to prevent the spread of all airborne infectious diseases in the workplace and establish workplace safety committees. The law requires employers to implement industry-specific airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plans. 

Since September 6, 2021, the Department of Health Commissioner has designated COVID-19 an airborne infectious disease under the HERO Act. This designation has now been extended until February 15, 2022.  Accordingly, employers must continue to have their prevention plans activated until then.

In addition, New York State requires that ALL indoor venues (including offices and other places of business, including vehicles) have one of two mandatory policies: They must either require all who enter to be vaccinated (and provide proof of vaccine), or they must require that everyone, regardless of their vaccine status, wear masks at all times.  This mandate has been extended until February 1, 2022.

Should you have any questions, please contact ALG.