In response to the rapid influx of COVID-19 variant cases over the course of the holiday season, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced further efforts by the city to curb the spread of the virus.
On December 21, 2021, Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued Public Health Order 2021-2, a vaccine mandate for certain public accommodations that is meant to help curb the spread of COVID-19 as the Omicron variant continues to surge.
On December 20, 2021, the City of Boston announced a new vaccination mandate, known as “B Together." The mandate applies to certain indoor establishments, including restaurants, entertainment venues, and gyms, and it covers employees as well as patrons.
At their final meeting of the year, city councilors in Portland, Maine left the city’s existing COVID-19 emergency order in place, thereby triggering a hazard pay requirement and creating a $19.50 hourly wage starting January 1, 2022.
On December 15, 2021, New York City published guidance and FAQs on its vaccine mandate Separately, Mayor de Blasio issued a revised emergency order expanding the Key to NYC Pass.
In response to rising COVID-19 case rates, on December 13, 2021, the Philadelphia Department of Health announced a vaccine mandate for patrons and staff of all establishments that sell food or drink for on-site consumption within Philadelphia city limits.
On December 10, 2021, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that face masks must be worn in all indoor public spaces in New York State, effective December 13, 2021.
On November 15, 2021, West Hollywood, California enacted an ordinance that establishes a local minimum wage, requires employers to provide paid and unpaid leave benefits, and governs how businesses advertise and distribute service charges.
On November 10, 2021, Ontario announced that, out of an abundance of caution, it is pausing the lifting of capacity limits in certain higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required.
