On Sept. 30, 2021, New York Gov. Hochul issued an order extending until Oct. 31, 2021, the designation of COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease.” This designation, first announced Sept. 6, 2021, requires all employers to implement workplace safety plans under the New York Health and Essential Rights (NY HERO) Act governing the establishment of procedures for prevention and exposure to any diseases so designated by the governor. See previous GT Alerts, “New York Employers Must Activate Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plans Under NY HERO Act” and “New York State Publishes HERO Act Model and Industry Plans for Returning to Work.”

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The designation and mandates will be reviewed by the governor as to any further continuance. 

Special thanks to Legislative Specialist Deborah Stevens for her assistance with this GT Alert.