10 NYCRR Subpart 66-3 is intended to codify, and assist in the enforcement of, existing Executive Orders mandating face coverings, social distancing requirements, restricting non-essential gatherings, and the operation of non-essential businesses. The regulation allows violations to be charged as a violation of public health law, subject to the following penalties:
Penalties — 10 NYCRR § 66-3.4
- Violations of these regulations by individuals are subject to a maximum fine of $1000 per violation per day, as well as any other penalties that may be established in law.
Additionally, a willful violation of this regulation is a violation of Section 12-b of the Public Health Law, which is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000.
Face-Coverings — 10 NYCRR § 66-3.2
- Any person over two years of age and able to medically tolerate a face-covering must wear a mask or face-covering when in public and unable to maintain social distance.
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- Passengers over the age of two and able to tolerate a face-covering must wear a mask or face covering when on public transport or private for-hire transport.
- Drivers or other employees of transportation carriers must wear a mask or face-covering if there are paying passengers on such transport.
- Any employee present in the workplace must be provided a mask or face-covering and must wear it when in contact with customers or the public, or unable to socially distance
- Business operators and building owners must deny entry and/or remove any person who fails to comply with face-covering requirements.
- Adequate face coverings include cloth masks, surgical masks, N-95s, and face shields.
- To maintain social distance, persons must keep at least 6 feet away from any other person, other than their own family members.
Non-Essential Gatherings — 10 NYCRR § 66-3.3
- Limits non-essential gatherings to the gathering limit set by Executive Order establishing such limit in the region (currently, 25 in Phase 3, 50 in Phase 4).
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- Prohibits any person from encouraging or promoting any non-essential gathering on any public property.
- This intended to prevent businesses from evading responsibility for a non-essential gathering occurring off the business’s premises, but as a result of the business’s actions.
- Requires that any non-essential gathering that is allowed to proceed must comply with social distancing protocols.
- Provides that restrictions on non-essential gatherings do not apply to essential businesses (noting that such businesses must still comply with NY Forward guidance).
Non-Essential Businesses — 10 NYCRR § 66-3.4
- All non-essential businesses must reduce their in-person workforce by 100% pursuant to Executive Order 202.8; however, the state’s phased reopening has allowed most industries to reopen so long as Department of Health guidance is adhered to.
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- This regulation is subject to modification by Executive Orders implementing the phased re-opening of NY, including already issued Executive Orders for each phase.
- Essential businesses include those listed in the regulation, and those determined essential by Empire State Development, as well as businesses and industries that have been allowed to reopen pursuant to NY Forward Executive Orders.
Deirdre R. Barthel, Esq.
Director of Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
518-898-6259
