Several cities, states, counties and Puerto Rico have made updates to their COVID-19-related laws, regulations and orders. See below for the latest news.
California
COVID-19 State Updates
A Busy Day in Court For COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates in Healthcare
The U.S. Supreme Court denied a request to enjoin New York State from enforcing its regulation requiring COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare workers despite the fact that the regulation did not allow for religious accommodations. The Court did not issue any written opinion or rationale but was accompanied by a 14-page dissent by Justice Gorsuch.
Meanwhile,
The Key to NYC and Other Cities’ COVID-19 Vaccine Proof Mandates, and Potential Privacy Issues
Cities step up their efforts to combat the COVID-19 Delta variant. New York City, New Orleans, and San Francisco have all announced requirements for certain persons to produce evidence of COVID vaccination status in order to patronize or work indoors at certain establishments. Adding to an already complex patchwork of COVID-related regulation –
New York Updates COVID-19 Guidance Including Daily Health Screening Requirements
On June 8, 2021, New York State updated the NY Forward Guidance for several industries, including office-based and food services employers, with changes that many people feel are overdue.
In addition to incorporating updated mask, physical distancing, and capacity rules that have been in place since New York adopted the Centers for Disease Control and
As COVID Restrictions Ease, “Fully Reopen” May Not Mean Business As Usual
With COVID-19 infection rates and hospitalizations decreasing, states are slowly loosening restrictions on businesses. For example, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey announced plans to fully reopen by May 19th with some constraints remaining in place, including mandatory wearing of masks and social distancing. All three states have announced significant capacity rollbacks for indoor
New York State Employees Entitled to Paid Time Off for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Effective immediately, New York State employers must provide employees with up to four hours of paid time off per COVID-19 vaccination. The new law sunsets on December 31, 2022.
The new law provides that:
- All New York employees must receive a paid leave of absence for “a sufficient period of time” not to exceed four
New York and New Jersey Release COVID-19 Exposure Apps
New York and New Jersey release “COVID Alert NY” and “COVID Alert NJ,” apps designed to alert their users when they have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. These apps follow those released in Pennsylvania and Delaware and are soon to be joined by Connecticut. The states hope to enhance their contact
Construction Industry Coronavirus Guidance from NYC and OSHA
Construction workers received guidance on best practices in preventing the spread of novel coronavirus from New York City. The city has recognized that ordinary practices at construction sites – shared tools, huddled shift meetings and packed schedules with varied trade contractors – can present unique dangers at construction sites.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration