Covid-19 Mask, Vaccination Requirements Increasing

As the number of Covid-19 cases creeps higher in the Huntington area, businesses and employers are setting increased mask rules and vaccination requirements.
At  Huntington Town Hall, Council members Joan Cergol, Ed Smyth, Mark Cuthbertson and Gene Cook all confirmed that they had been fully vaccinated. Town Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci did not respond to a question about whether he had done the same.
Town spokeswoman Lauren Lembo said the possibility of requiring vaccinations is under consideration but it hasn’t yet been decided. Meantime, masks are required at masks to enter Town Hall, the Ice Rink, the Flanagan Center (Senior Center, Adult Day Care  and Youth Bureau, and Senior Beach House.
Some local businesses have begun requiring proof of vaccination of employees and customers. A physical therapy office in Huntington recently began asking patients for vaccination cards which are then scanned into their computer system. Medical offices and ride-hail companies have required full masks of drivers and passengers for some time, even as retail stores began lifting the requirements this summer.
National retail employers, such as Target and Walmart, have set vaccination requirements and mask rules, and in a handful of stores checked this week, employees are often masked even as some customers are not.
Other employers, such as Northwell Health, are, for now, requiring vaccinations of new hires only.
The Engeman Theater in Northport told Newsday this week that it will require proof of vaccination of patrons over the age of 12.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Thursday the launch of Excelsior Pass  Plus for residents using the Excelsior Pass platform, which will work with SMART Health Cards Framework. The goal is to enable travelers to use their Excelsior passes for international travel. For now, Excelsior Pass Plus users can securely upload their verified COVID-19 vaccination credentials to VeriFLY, and travel through American Airlines to Greece, France, Spain, Italy, and the Bahamas, and on indirect flights to El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, and Honduras. 
In addition, the Huntington school district is working with Walmart to make the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine available to students, staff and
community members. Vaccinations will be offered on Wednesday, August 11 (first dose) and Wednesday, September 1 (second dose). To make an appointment, go here.

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