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Hi everyone, I’m Andrew Yacyshyn, employment attorney at Tannenbaum Helpern. Once the COVID-19 vaccine became available to the public, we have consistently received the following question from our corporate clients: “Can we require our employees to get vaccinated?” And our answer has been: “Yes, subject to on an employee’s right to a reasonable accommodation based on a disability, sincerely held religious belief, or pregnancy that prevents the individual from getting vaccinated.” The tougher question is “Should an employer require its employees to get vaccinated?” Well, some employers in New York City have had that question answered for them… Mayor de Blasio recently announced on August 3rd that the City will require vaccination for workers and customers of indoor restaurants, indoor gyms and fitness facilities, and indoor entertainment facilities – so these employers will need to make sure their employees and patrons are vaccinated. The specific details of this new requirement have not yet been released, but should be coming the week of August 16th, as the Mayor stated. The Mayor also stated that beginning the week of September 13th the City will begin inspections and enforcement of this requirement. So these employers should be on the lookout for the City guidance on this requirement and get ready to begin checking employee and customer vaccination status. Thank you.