Governor Cuomo announced at his press briefing today that the Temporary Disaster Emergency established by Executive Order 202 and subsequent Executive Orders issued in response to the COVID-19 crisis will end effective tomorrow, June 24. This will end the suspensions and modifications of law, and all directives contained in the Executive Orders relating to the State’s Disaster Emergency.

The interim guidance issued by OPWDD and the COVID-19 reporting requirements are not dependent upon the continuation of the state of emergency, and remain in place for the time being. The Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance requiring masks for unvaccinated individuals, and for all individuals on public transportation and certain other settings also remains in place.

We recognize there will be many questions regarding shifting guidance for our field moving forward. We are seeking clarity on these changes, and will update you as soon as possible. In the meantime, we advise all Affiliates to adhere to the current OPWDD guidance and follow their existing COVID-19 protocols and procedures.