Monday Briefing - December 13, 2021

Mask Mandate for Businesses

On December 10, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul announced masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement. This major action to address the winter surge comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rise statewide and is in alignment with the CDC's recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission. The State Health Commissioner issued a determination solidifying the requirement. Source: Frequently Asked Questions: Proof of Full Vaccination or Mask Requirement for Businesses and Venues

According to NYS, this mandate will be in place until January 15, 2022. At this point, they will reevaluate the situation and provide further guidance.

For more information here is an excerpt from Commissioner’s Determination on Indoor Masking Pursuant to 10 NYCRR 2.60.

All Indoor Public Places Not Otherwise Covered by This Determination

a. After careful review and consideration of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations statewide, and in alignment with CDC recommendations for communities with substantial and high transmission, all persons, over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering/mask, regardless of vaccination status, shall wear an appropriate face covering/mask while in any indoor public place.

b. This requirement shall not apply to any indoor public area that requires proof of vaccination as a
condition of entry.

c. For purposes of this determination “indoor public place” shall mean any indoor space that is not a private residence.

d. This requirement shall be in effect until January 15, 2022.

Source: Determination on Indoor Masking.pdf

State Aid for Library Construction Info Session

The FY 2023 State Aid for Library Construction Info Session will be held Monday, January 10, 2022 at 5pm. Library Directors and Trustees from libraries who will be applying this next cycle--or who want to learn more about the Construction Aid process for a future project--are encouraged to attend. There will be some updates to Construction Aid this year, both how the program is administered locally at Pioneer Library System and timeline changes from DLD. Click here for more information and to register.

System Board Meeting Follow-Up

At last week's board meeting, System Trustees approved:

1. 2021 System Satisfaction Survey
2. 2022 Fees and Grants Document
3. Computer Support Policy
4. Slate of Officers and Committees for the 2022 System Board
5. System Organizational Actions
6. Livingston County Capital Grant
7. Executive Director Employment Agreement (this means you're stuck with me for a while)

Take a look at the full agenda here - Doc 2112-1 Agenda.pdf

Question of the Week: Does Paid Leave Apply to Booster Shots?

Question: Does the paid leave for receiving a COVID-19 shot apply to receiving the booster as well?

Answer: Yes. Back in March 2021, New York Labor Law added provision § 196-C allowing up to four hours of paid leave to receive each injection for the COVID-19 vaccine. In October 2021 the DOL released information saying that booster shots are included in this law.