New rules for visitors at the Capitol and Legislative Office Building in Albany due to COVID

Albany, New York– New rules for visitors will take effect on Monday, January 10, at the Capitol and Legislative Office Building in Albany.

According to the Office of General Services (OGS), visitors to the Capitol will be required to show proof of vaccination or negative Covid test result received within the past 48 Hours. Due to the developing concerns regarding the delta coronavirus and the Omicron variant restrictions are to ensure the health and well-being of all employees and the public during the 2022 Legislative Session, OGS said.

All visitors will be required to enter the Capitol from the Empire State Plaza concourse level. Proof of vaccination must be shown along with valid identification before entry. Masks will be required at all times, and there will be limited capacity in the Capitol to align with social distancing best practices.

The Attorney General, the State Legislature, or the Division of the Budget must abide by the newly established protocols as visitors, according to officials members of the public attending to official business with the Executive Chamber.

The New York State Police will continue to staff all security screening access points, including at the Empire State Plaza concourse, LOB State Street, Capitol State Street, and Capitol Washington Avenue entrances. Authorized State employees and others with state-issued access cards can access both buildings via all normal entrances, turnstiles, and portals.

The Office of General Services will continue to evaluate the implementation of these restrictions, capacity expectations, and ongoing developments regarding COVID-19.