May 19, 2021
Last week the CDC announced new masking and physical distancing guidelines for people who are fully vaccinated. As of Wednesday, May 19, 2021, New York State is adopting that guidance, see this link for more information: NYSUpdatedGuidance. We have followed the science from the beginning of the pandemic and we will continue to do so. As of Wednesday (5/19/2021), employees, customers, and guests who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask or maintain 6 feet of physical distance at any of our locations, including the main campus. The only exception will be of our Low Vision Center at 500 S. Clinton Ave. as a clinical environment that serves high risk individuals, we ask that everyone wear a mask and maintain physical distance while in this area.
These new State guidelines do not change our other Covid-19 protocols, so we will continue our screening process including temperature checks for employees and guests upon arrival along with our current sanitizing processes. And don’t forget, masking and physical distancing is still required for those who are not fully vaccinated as per NY State regulations. If you are fully vaccinated and choose not to wear a mask or physical distance, keep your documentation of your vaccine handy in case we ever need it for the health department.
People are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
We understand some people are excited by this update, and others are less comfortable. Keep in mind, the best ways to keep yourself healthy and safe is to continue to wear your mask, keep physical distancing, wash your hands often, and get vaccinated. For those who are fully vaccinated, wearing a mask is still a choice. Whether they care for elderly parents or have children that cannot receive the vaccine yet, wearing a mask is their way to ensure their loved one’s safety. Please remember our values of respect and integrity and treat people the way they would like to be treated.
We look forward to continuing to serve you!