Nearly 75 percent of New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose, resulting in COVID-19 health and safety restrictions being lifted across the state. Earlier this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio provided additional clarity on public health mandates on worksites to better reflect state guidelines.

But the situation is rapidly developing, as a result of the Delta variant, and the headlines can be confusing. Here is what you need to know about current Covid-related protocols that are being enforced on construction job sites. You should, however, try to stay up to date on this fast-moving situation, check back with your supervisors, and look for updates from your employer to assure you’re in compliance with all the latest requirements.

Vaccinated workers are no longer required to wear face masks

Earlier this month, the city’s mask mandate at construction sites remained in place for fully vaccinated construction workers despite federal and state rulings to the contrary. As of this moment, however, vaccinated construction workers are no longer required to wear masks. That is a relief as we enter some of the summer’s hottest days. If you are fully vaccinated and feel comfortable doing so, you are now allowed to work without a mask.

Social distancing and capacity measures are lifted

Workers are also no longer required to observe six-foot social distancing rules for non-collaborative projects. This offers more opportunity for workers to learn from their peers and seek advice from one another. Capacity limits are also no longer required, which means you may be able to work on difficult projects with additional workers and (quite literally) ease some of the heavy lifting.

Construction companies may institute their own health and safety protocols  

Although Mayor de Blasio has lifted the aforementioned mandates, companies can require their workers to follow health and safety precautions as they see fit. Remember to always follow directions from the site manager or foreman when navigating a new construction space and maintain the required distance or gear. Although mandates have been lifted, it is completely understandable if you are experiencing any hesitancy or discomfort with jumping right back into the way things were before the Covid crisis began. It may be helpful to talk with your fellow workers about your individual comfort levels regarding Covid safety measures. There may be anxiety or hesitancy with returning to normal practices, and communication will alway