NYC Unveils Rules For Private Sector COVID Vax Mandate

NEW YORK CITY — Private employers in New York City got their first look at coronavirus vaccine mandate rules with just under two weeks before the sweeping rule takes effect.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday unveiled the city's requirements for the private sector mandate.

Workers for private companies must show proof — which employers must keep on file — of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 27, according to the rules. They have 45 days after their first Pfizer or Moderna dose to get a second dose, the rules state.

Businesses must "exclude" unvaccinated workers from the workplace, the rules state. Violations will be punished by $1,000 fines if they refuse to comply — a circumstance de Blasio said he anticipates will be rare.

“The goal is not to penalize,” he said. “The goal is to simply make this work.”

The rules can be found at nyc.gov/vaxtowork.

De Blasio has faced criticism for the private sector vaccination rule, even from many supporters of mandates.

The mayor "blindsided" business owners in the words of Kathryn Wylde, the president and CEO of the Partnership For New York City.

The mandate takes effect Dec. 27, just four days before de Blasio leaves office — a deadline that effectively hands enforcement and potential legal challenges over to mayor-elect Eric Adams

And de Blasio's shock announcement last week also left many questions about how it would work, especially on enforcement.

The rules unveiled Wednesday state businesses must verify and keep a record of each worker’s proof of vaccination. Businesses must also post a certificate stating that they are in compliance.

Owners are not required to fire or discipline unvaccinated employees, according to the rules.

"As long as you keep the worker out of the workplace, it is your decision whether to discipline or fire such worker, or if the worker can contribute to your business while working remotely," a city FAQ states.

Employees must put in requests for special accommodations, such as religious or medical exemptions, by Dec. 27. They can continue to work while the requests are being processed, according to the rules.

More information on exemptions can be found here.

"Various" city agencies will conduct inspections for compliance on the rule, according to a city FAQ.

"Our goal is always to educate and work with businesses to help them achieve compliance," it states. "It’s always our preference to ensure compliance and to avoid fines and penalties. If a business refuses to comply, they are subject to a fine of $1,000 and escalating
penalties thereafter if violations persist."