The discovery of the Omicron variant sent shockwaves throughout the globe and has forced municipalities onto the defensive once again in efforts to contain the growing threat. In light of the threat, New York State has resumed its mask mandate, stipulating that all businesses that are open to the public and do not require proof of full vaccination must require everyone to be masked.
The state mandate comes on the heels of an OSHA ETS requiring businesses with 100 or more employees to resume mask requirements. The state order applies to all businesses regardless of size and, at the moment, is the only enforceable mandate as OSHA deals with legal challenges to its authority to mandate masking.
Now, in New York, any public place, including entertainment venues, grocery stores, and restaurants. Many of these places already have their own rules to comply with earlier state or local mandates, but some businesses may be required to update their health measures to come into compliance with the latest rules.
Considering how quickly Omicron has swept across the world, and with New York registering an enormous uptick in positive cases, these mandates are essential for flattening the curve as we head into winter. Although state and local officials have been reluctant to implement more stringent social distancing requirements, health experts are calling for a stronger approach to the problem, especially as healthcare workers continue to burn out in significant numbers as hospitalizations increase again.
