On Oct. 31, 2021, New York Gov. Hochul issued an order extending until Dec. 15, 2021, the designation of COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease.” This designation, first announced Sept. 6, 2021, requires all employers to implement workplace safety plans under the New York Health and Essential Rights (NY HERO) Act governing the establishment of procedures for prevention and exposure to any diseases so designated by the governor. 

Deborah Stevens contributed to this update.