NY’s Adoption of CDC’s Guidance for Vaccinated people 

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The announcement from Governor Cuomo that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in certain settings was a welcome relief for GNYADA members and a hopeful sign that we have turned a corner in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, it leaves dealers with a few decisions to make.

According to the latest NYS guidance, released earlier today,New York State “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" for Most Businesses and Public Settings, dealers can:

  • Keep their current policies in place - maintain social distancing and require mask wearing for all individuals, including employees and/or customers.
    -or-

  • dopt the latest CDC guidelines – allowing fully vaccinated individuals to take off their masks inside your dealership.

OSHA Recommendations
In response to the updated CDC guidance, OSHA updated its guidance and instructs employers should follow the CDC’s guidance for fully vaccinated employees.

Proof of Vaccination
If you decide to follow the latest CDC recommendations, you’ll also have to decide whether – your dealership will require proof of vaccination or will you rely upon self-reporting/the honor system.

The NYS guidance states that businesses are not required to ask for proof of vaccination but can do so if they wish. If your dealership decides to obtain proof of vaccination, you can ask to see the paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass.

If employees and/or customers have not been fully vaccinated they must maintain social distance and wear a mask.

A Word of Caution
If your dealership intends to question employees and/or customers about vaccination status, we strongly recommend that the dealership treat each person in the same manner. For example, you should not permit some people access upon the honor system while insisting that others provide some other proof of vaccination. Be consistent!

Dealer Takeaways

  • It is up to each dealer to decide whether to adopt the latest CDC guidance or continue requiring all individuals to wear masks and maintain six feet of social distancing.

  • The latest CDC recommendations and State Guidelines do not require dealers to obtain proof of vaccination.

  • OHSA’s guidance includes following the new CDC guidance allowing fully vaccinated workers to work without a mask.

  • To view the latest NYS’s Reopening Guidance, Effective May 19 on Implementing CDC Guidance click here.

If you have any questions regarding this bulletin, please call the Dealer Hotline at 718.746.5900.