This article will provide information on the latest mandates affecting Long Island weddings, starting December 13 2021.
Image courtesy of Franklin Square Photographers
Unfortunately, many Brides of Long Island will see a few COVID-related mandates be implemented within the next few days.
We know that this is not the news you want to hear, and we share in your frustrations and disappointment. But just as we did in 2020, the Brides of Long Island stands with you in support, encouragement, and love. And despite any mandate that may come our way – our wedding days will be beautiful.
These new mandates are as follows:
- Starting December 13, masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement.
- This mandate is in effect until February 1st 2022, after which New York State will reevaluate based on current conditions.
- These requirements extend to both patrons and staff. Businesses are not allowed to “mix and match” (i.e., only require masks for non-vaccinated individuals) – they either must implement a vaccine or mask requirement for any individual who enters the establishment, regardless of individual vaccination status.
- Businesses and venues who implement a proof of vaccination requirement can accept Excelsior Pass, Excelsior Pass Plus, SMART Health Cards issued outside of New York State, or a CDC Vaccination Card.
- Full-course vaccination is defined as 14 days past an individual’s last vaccination dose in their initial vaccine series (14 days past the second shot of a two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine; 14 days past the one-shot Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine). The State also accepts WHO-approved vaccines for these purposes.
- Businesses and venues that implement a mask requirement must ensure all patrons two years and older wear a mask at all times while indoors.
- Masks can only be removed when eating or drinking, at which times social distancing, proper air ventilation, and air filtration systems are recommended.
- Food services businesses (like venues and restaurants) that operate an outdoor, enclosed or semi-enclosed space with more than two sides must implement the same requirement across both their indoor and outdoor, enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. This means both the inside and outdoor, enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces have either a proof of full-course vaccination requirement or mask requirement.
- Outdoor dining spaces that have a temporary or fixed cover (e.g., awning or roof) and at least two open sides for airflow do not need to follow the same requirements as the indoor space of the venue or restaurant. Mask wearing for patrons, except while patrons are actively eating or drinking, is strongly recommended, but not required. The appropriate social distancing measures are also highly recommended.
- Private residences are not included in this mandate.
- Every venue’s policy will differ. Please contact your venue to confirm their requirements.
- Violations of this mandate are subject to all civil and criminal penalties, including a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation. Local health departments are being asked to enforce these requirements.
For more information, click here.
This article will be updated as new information is released.