As of July 31, 2025, New York employers will no longer be required to provide COVID-specific sick leave to employees. Since March 2020, this separate leave entitlement has applied to employees subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.

Although the COVID-specific leave requirement is expiring, employees may still qualify for paid leave under New York State or New York City sick leave laws for COVID-related reasons, such as their own illness or to care for a covered family member. Employees may also be eligible for New York Paid Family Leave if a family member’s COVID-19 condition qualifies as a serious health condition.

Employers should update their sick leave policies and employee handbooks to reflect the expiration of the COVID-specific sick leave law.

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If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact our Labor & Employment attorneys or the primary EGS attorney with whom you work.