Babysitters, repair, cleaning people must show proof of COVID vaccination, according to NYC mandates

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Babysitters, cleaning service workers, plumbers and others who are paid to work inside your home are required to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus (COVID-19) under the city’s vaccine mandate for private employers.

The first-in-the-nation mandate requires workers in New York City who perform in-person work or interact with the public show proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose as of Dec. 27.

The mandate applies to all businesses that employ more than one person, and to the self-employed who interact with the public in the course of their business.

Employees who submit proof of their first vaccination will have 45 days to provide proof of their second shots, if receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Businesses will need to fill out a form affirming their compliance and post it in their place of business.

Private citizens who employ people to work in their homes fall under the category of a private employer, and therefore are legally required to check an employee’s vaccination status, according to The City.

The mandate also applies to businesses and companies that employ many workers but only send one to your home to perform a task, such as a repair person. In this instance, the employer is responsible for ensuring all employees are vaccinated, however, the homeowner is still permitted to ask for proof.

This private sector workplace requirement does not apply to the following:

• People who work alone — at home or otherwise — and do not have in-person contact with co-workers or others in the course of their business.
• People who enter a workplace briefly for a limited purpose, such as to use the bathroom.
• Non-NYC resident performing artists, college or professional athletes, and anyone who accompanies them.
• People who have requested reasonable accommodations for medical or religious reasons. If a worker is granted a reasonable accommodation, businesses must record the basis for the accommodation and keep supporting documentation in accordance with the below guidance.

Failure to comply could result in a $1,000 fine for a first offense, and higher fines for subsequent violations, according to the city.

As of Jan. 3, 92% of city residents aged 18 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; 83.5% of adults are considered fully vaccinated, according to city Department of Health data.

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