Mayor de Blasio has announced a vaccine mandate for businesses in New York City regardless of size. The rule comes into effect on December 27th, at which point all employees must have received 2 shots of a 2 shot series or 1 shot of Johnson & Johnson. This is estimated to cover 184,000 businesses.
Mayor de Blasio indicated that guidance for small businesses would be out on December 15th, but that all businesses would still be required to comply with the mandate. The mandate additionally requires children aged 5-11 to show proof of at least one shot of the vaccine to enter indoor dining, fitness or entertainment establishments.
Mayor de Blasio indicated that he expected this vaccine mandate to stand despite the challenges to the national OSHA and CMS mandates (both currently stayed nationwide), given that this rule originates with the Health Commissioner which has legal precedent for taking actions on public health issues. Nevertheless, this mandate will likely be challenged in court. It may also be overturned by Mayor Elect Adams when he takes office on January 1.
NPMA will continue to provide information on vaccine mandates as they become available. For vaccine-specific questions, contact NPMA VP of Public Policy Ashley Amidon at aamidon@pestworld.org.