While NYC preps for a possible Phase 2 opening (potentially as early as Monday, June 22nd), we wanted to share some of the State’s mandatory guidelines for one of the biggest commercial real estate reopening categories – office space.
The Governor’s office released guidelines for Office-Based Work as part of the Phase 2 reopening. Guidelines are separated into categories like physical distancing, protective equipment, communication, screening, and hygiene, cleaning, & disinfection. Each category has mandatory requirements and “recommended best practices.”
For example, offices are required to limit capacity to no more than 50% of the maximum occupancy for a particular area as set by the Certificate of Occupancy. It’s also noted that workers must be provided with acceptable face coverings at no cost to the employees/contractors. However, posting social distancing markers with signs and tape isn’t “mandatory” – it’s a recommended best practice.
While there’s no set enforcement body – no office inspectors or agency “sweeps” as of yet – complaints for failure to properly follow social distancing protocol can be filed by anyone for places of work, businesses, or other community locations. They can result in fines from $500 – $1,000.
Read the full guidelines to see what’s required for every space. Be sure to review them with your team and tenants to ensure compliance and minimize risk once your building begins to reopen.
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