New York HERO Act COVID-19 Designation Extended Again: Safety Plans Required Through March 17, 2022

New York employers seeking further relaxation of COVID-19 mitigation protocols after the recent lifting of a statewide mask mandate will have to wait. The designation of the virus as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to public health” that had been extended through February 15, 2022 was extended yet again. An order by the New York State Commissioner of Health continues the designation, made pursuant to the New York HERO Act, through March 17, 2022. This means that New York employers must continue to implement their safety plans, including daily screening of employees working onsite. The New York State Department of Labor recently issued an updated model safety plan with recommendations, as opposed to requirements, regarding usage of masks indoors.