Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order Requiring Employers to Provide All Essential Employees with Masks

Governor Cuomo recently signed an executive order mandating that employers provide certain employees with face coverings.

Effective on Wednesday, April 15 at 8 p.m., essential businesses or entities must provide all employees with face coverings (i.e. surgical or cloth masks) when they are working in direct contact with customers or members of the public. Employers must provide the coverings at no expense to the employees.

Local governments and law enforcement may enforce this requirement, and those found to be in violation may be subject to civil fines up to $2,000 per violation and/or up to one year imprisonment.

If you have any questions regarding this alert or compliance with this new mandate, please contact Lura H. Bechtel (416.595.2693) or John M. Godwin (716.848.1357).

Please check our Coronavirus Resource Center and our CARES Act page to access information related to both of these rapidly evolving topics.

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