Last updated 8.12.2022 at 12:00 p.m.
Following the suspension of most Key to NYC, NY Hero Act, and masking mandates, NYC has designated that cultural institutions can determine their own policies regarding masking and vaccination.
PREVIOUS MANDATES, for reference:
Key to NYC
- Recommended template for businesses: Written Implementation Protocol template
- All NYC Health COVID-19 posters and flyers
- Key to NYC: Entertainment
- Key to NYC – Fitness Facilities
- Conflict Resolution Tips for Businesses and Workers
- Guidance for Public Accommodations on Equitable Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
- Guidance for Employers on Equitable Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
- Guidance on Accommodations for Workers
- Show Us Your Vax poster
NY HERO Act
- Recommended template for plan for businesses: Model Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Plan
- COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave for Employees
GENERAL SIGNAGE RESOURCES
- NYCHealth Covid-19 Posters and Flyers
- CDC Print Resources
- National Insititute of Health (NIH) Print Resources
- Workest Posters
- E-ARC Signs
- Canva COVID-19 poster templates
Posters and signs should be utilized to communicate the following practices:
(explore signs linked above, or use specific ones suggested below)
- Encourage best practices in all commonly used areas indoors for employees and visitors to the space:
- Encourage acceptable masks or face coverings:
- Post signage and distance markers denoting spaces of six feet in all commonly used areas indoors for employees and any areas in which lines are commonly formed or people may congregate (e.g. clock in/out stations, health screening stations, break rooms, equipment checkout areas, cash register areas, locker rooms, etc.). Provide distance markers or taped off areas in studios and theaters denoting spaces of at least six feet for dancers who are training, teaching, rehearsing, or performing.
- Designate separate entrances and exits, to the extent possible.
- Place signage near hand sanitizer stations and ensure that employees perform hand hygiene by indicating that visibly soiled hands should be washed with soap and water; hand sanitizer is not effective on visibly soiled hands. Responsible Parties can develop their own customized signage specific to a workplace or setting, provided that such signage is consistent with the Department’s signage.
Communications Plan
Responsible Parties should develop a communications plan for employees and visitors, and customers that includes applicable instructions, training, signage, and a consistent means to provide employees with information. Responsible Parties should work with building management to help facilitate any building-wide communications. Responsible Parties may consider developing webpages, text and email groups, and social media
Communication Guidelines and Templates
- Template: COVID-19 communication to employees
- NY Forward Safety Plan Template
- CDC Communication Resources
- CDC Resuming Business Toolkit
- CDC COVID-19 Toolkits
Returning to Studio
Returning to Studio: Organizations need to have a plan to address non-employees who refuse to comply with any screenings required by the organization.
- Return to Studio Questionnaire (DSA provided)
Mask Policy Templates:
Talking to people who refuse to wear masks:
- The Conversation article – Talking to someone who doesn’t wear a mask
- Forbes article – Dealing with customers who don’t want to wear a mask
Waivers, Screening, Testing
Responsible Parties may choose to implement mandatory daily health screening practices for employees, patrons, and, where practicable, contractors and vendors. Understand that a waiver doesn’t eliminate employer responsibility, Responsible Parties may choose to have artists (teaching artists or dancers rehearsing) sign a statement saying that they have read the safety protocols being undertaken, are comfortable teaching/joining rehearsals, and if at any time they are not comfortable, they are free to leave without losing payment. Keep in mind the difference when it comes to dancers (union vs. non unionized). Waivers may not have legal standing in court.
Screening and Testing:
New York State COVID-19 Return-to-Work Guidance Daily Health Screening Template
Sign-in upon entering the facility (or prior via remote check-in), providing their full name, address, and phone number for use in contact tracing efforts.
- The sign-in process may be conducted through any means that the Responsible Parties establish to collect the above contact information, including but not limited to a digital application, barcode reader, swipe card reader, and/or paper form.