On August 23, 2021, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore announced a vaccine mandate, which will require that approximately 15,600 state judiciary employees be vaccinated. This requirement coincides with the FDA’s recent full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. While details of this requirement are not yet clear, beginning on September 7, 2021, employees who have not submitted proof of their vaccinated status will be required to undergo weekly testing at a licensed facility. Vaccinated employees will be permitted to enter and remain in Court facilities without wearing a mask. The full text of the announcement can be accessed here: https://www.nycourts.gov/whatsnew/pdf/August%2023%20Message%20Final.pdf