Effective today, December 13, 2021, the New York State Department of Health has issued a new regulation requiring that masks be worn in all “indoor public places” unless proof of full vaccination is required for all patrons, visitors, and employees as a condition to entry.
This new Department of Health regulation applies to all businesses and venues open to the public, including but not limited to retail stores, gyms, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and places of worship. The new regulation does not apply to private homes.
A business or venue must choose whether it will implement a full-course vaccine requirement as a condition to entry, or a mask requirement, which then must be applied to both patrons and employees and followed in its entirety throughout the facility at all times. A business cannot “mix and match” between vaccination and mask requirements.
The Department of Health has issued an FAQ regarding its new mask mandate that is available at:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/frequently-asked-questions-proof-full-vaccination-or-mask-requirement-businesses-and-venues.
This new mask mandate issued by the Department of Health has the force of law and carries a maximum civil penalty of $1,000 for violations. That said, we are confident that Town residents and business owners will understand the importance of following this new requirement, especially as we enter the holiday season.
