Situation Report | March 22, 2021
On March 12, 2021, Governor Cuomo signed a new law that will allow employees in New York State to take up to four hours off from work, with pay, to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
The new leave entitlement will affect both public and private employers.
It requires that every employee be provided a paid leave of absence for a sufficient period of time to be vaccinated for COVID-19, not to exceed four hours per vaccine injection, unless a collectively bargained agreement or other employer arrangement allows for more time.
The entire period of leave shall be provided at the employee’s regular rate of pay and shall not be charged against any other leave that an employee is otherwise entitled to.
The new leave entitlement takes effect immediately and expires on Dec. 31, 2022.