Earlier today, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that, effective December 27, 2021 and as part of an expansion of the city’s “Key to NYC” program, all private-sector employers in the Big Apple will be required to adopt a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for their employees. The expanded program will also include additional requirements with respect to vaccinations for minors.

While there is no further guidance at present regarding the mandate, the City’s Health Commissioner tweeted that guidance for businesses will be issued next week. The guidance will presumably, at a minimum, include a time line for compliance and provide details regarding employee accommodations for medical or religious reasons.

We will continue to monitor this new development.