In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday, March 20 the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, a 10-point policy “to assure uniform safety for everyone.” All non-essential workers are directed to work from home, and everyone is required to maintain a 6-foot distance from others while in public.
“We know the most effective way to reduce the spread of this virus is through social distancing and density reduction measures,” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo stated.
As of March 20, there have been 7,102 confirmed cases in New York State, with 371 in Suffolk County.
“The 10-point NYS on PAUSE plan is as follows:
1. Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
2. Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
3. Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
4. When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
5. Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
6. Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
7. Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
8. Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
9. Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
10. Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.”
For more information on the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov.
“Essential Business,” includes:
1. Essential health care operations including
2. Essential infrastructure including
3. Essential manufacturing including
4. Essential retail including
5. Essential services including
6. News media
7. Financial Institutions including
8. Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations including
9. Construction including
10. Defense
11. Essential services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses including
12. Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services:
To learn more, visit esd.ny.gov.
Additionally, Matilda’s Law – named for the Governor’s mother – has been enacted as a measure to protect New York’s most vulnerable populations, those 70-years-old and older, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying illnesses. The law requires that people who fall into any of those categories:
All barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing salons, nail salons, hair removal services and related personal care services must close to the public by Saturday, March 21 at 8 p.m. Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys are also closed until further notice, while bars and restaurants cannot offer dine-in services, but take-out can be offered during the period of closure.
New York plans to implement a 90-day moratorium on evictions for both residential and commercial tenants.
New York is currently facing a shortage of personal protective equipment — or PPE — products, including gloves, masks and gowns. PPE product providers are encouraged to sell to the state any products that are not essential or not currently being utilized. To do so, contact Simonida Subotic at 646-522-8477 or [email protected].
If possible, companies with the proper equipment or personnel to manufacture PPE products are asked to begin doing so and the state is willing to provide funding. Businesses interested in receiving state funding to manufacture PPE products can contact Eric Gertler at 212-803-3100 or [email protected].
For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov.
