As New York State moves forward, high-demand workers are essential for businesses to reopen and the economy to get back on track. The DOL and partner agencies around the State understand that getting back to work is reliant on several factors that may make getting, and keeping, a job a challenge following the COVID-19 pandemic. To help break down the barriers to employment faced by workers around the country, employers and businesses alike are encouraged to refer to the following information and resources that can help address caregiving responsibilities, public transportation and commute needs, and workplace health and safety concerns.

New York State has enacted various measures to protect workers as New York moves forward and reopens. Effective May 19, New York State has adopted CDC guidance for fully vaccinated people for most businesses and public settings. To keep workers safe and on the job, employers are required to follow the state’s safe reopening regulations.

The first-in-the-nation NY HERO Act directs New York State agencies to create clear, enforceable health and safety standards that private employers must follow to keep their employees, and by extension their communities, safe. The DOL and other State agencies are currently developing these health and safety standards. Please check back soon for updated guidance.