Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that all COVID-19 restrictions are lifted immediately in New York State, as 70 percent of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination.

The State’s health guidance and New York Forward industry specific guidelines—including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing—are now optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings. Pursuant to CDC guidance, unvaccinated individuals are still responsible for wearing masks.

In light of the lifting of the New York Forward guidelines, employers in most industries will no longer have to continue with the COVID-19 related mandates set forth in the guidelines, including health screening measures and temperature checks. Employers should communicate with their employees regarding the lifting of COVID-19 related measures in the workplace.