Workplace Safety

Employers can reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in their workplace by following these tips:

• Reduce exposure through staggered and flexible schedules, and virtual meetings and events instead of in-person activities
• Encourage employees to get tested for COVID-19
• Remind employees to stay home if they are sick or test positive
• Require masks at all times
• Help employees stay distanced from each other and the public while working
• Promote COVID-19 vaccination

Industry-Specific Guidelines

New York State’s New York Forward industry-specific guidelines—including social gathering limits, capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing—are now lifted for all businesses except indoor event venues with a capacity of 5,000 to 9,999.

Other businesses are free to choose to follow the State's archived guidance or implement other health precautions for their employees and patrons. They are also allowed to require masks and six feet of social distancing for employees and customers, regardless of vaccination status.

Learn more about COVID-19 restrictions being lifted in New York State.

Learn about rules for large indoor event venues.

Vaccine Mandates

In addition to keeping their workers and customers safe during the COVID-19 crisis, employers must continue to follow the workplace protection laws in place for their employees.

For information about vaccine mandates for City government workers, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and City Workers page.

Worker Rights

Sick Leave

Under NYC’s Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, covered employees have the right to use safe and sick leave for the care and treatment of themselves or a family member. The federal and state governments have also passed laws to protect workers.  To learn more, visit the Paid Safe and Sick Leave page.

In addition to paid sick leave, employees may be eligible for 2 additional days of unpaid leave under NYC’s Temporary Schedule Change Law. For more information, visit the Temporary Work Schedule Change page.

Work Schedule Changes

Under the law, covered employees have a right to temporary changes to their work schedule for certain personal events. Learn more on the Temporary Work Schedule Change page.

Commuter Benefits Law

Most New York City companies with 20 or more full-time employees must provide pre-tax transit benefits. Learn more on the Commuter Benefits Law page. 

Work Protections for Specific Workers

Retail and Fast Food Workers

Retail and fast food employers must offer employees predictable work schedules and give advance notice of changes or cancelations. Learn more on the Fair Workweek Law page.

Grocery Store Workers

After a grocery store is sold, the former owner and new owner must notify the store's workers about the change in ownership and their employment rights. For more information, visit the Grocery Store Sale Requirements page.

Paid Care Workers

Paid care workers include homecare and domestic workers such as:

• Nannies
• Caregivers
• Home health aides
• Personal care aides
• Home attendants
• House cleaners

You can learn about paid care worker rights, legal responsibilities for employers and get help with questions or complaints on the Paid Care Worker or Employer Assistance page.

Freelance Workers

You can learn about freelance worker rights, legal responsibilities for employers, and get help with questions or complaints, including contract disputes and payment issues on the Freelance Worker and Hiring Party Assistance page.

COVID-19 Discrimination

Employers cannot harass or discriminate against workers because of fears or stigma around COVID-19, including harassment or discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, national origin, disability, or other protected classes.

If this is happening to you, you can report it to the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Learn more on the Discrimination page.

Reasonable Accommodations for Vaccine Mandates

Visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine Mandates page to learn about reasonable accommodations for employees covered by the vaccine mandate.

Paid Sick Leave

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and need documentation so you can receive paid sick leave from your employer, visit the Paid Safe and Sick Leave page for information.

City government employees returned to the office on September 13, 2021. Each Agency developed a "Return to Office Plan" to bring workers back safely, approved by the Mayoral Restart Taskforce.

Learn more on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and City Workers page.

Financial Assistance

You can get information about cash assistance, SNAP, and other resources for New Yorkers on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Support page.

NYC Financial Empowerment Centers also provide free one-on-one professional, financial counseling over the phone. Learn more on the Financial Counseling page.

Unemployment and Jobs

If you have become totally or partially unemployed due to COVID-19, you can claim unemployment insurance benefits. New York State is waiving the 7-day waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to COVID-19 closures or quarantines.

To learn more, visit the Unemployment Insurance page.

Through Workforce1 Career Centers, you can receive free professional employment and training services that can help you find a job or develop your career. Currently, Workforce1 Career Centers are providing services online and by phone.

To learn more, visit the Workforce1 Career Centers page.