All Non-Essential Businesses That Cannot Operate Remotely Ordered To Close Under "New York State on PAUSE"

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

research and laboratory services

hospitals

walk-in-care health facilities

emergency veterinary and livestock services

elder care

medical wholesale and distribution

home health care workers or aides for the elderly

doctor and emergency dental

nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities

medical supplies and equipment manufacturers and providers

2. Essential infrastructure including

utilities including power generation, fuel supply and transmission

public water and wastewater

telecommunications and data centers

airports/airlines

transportation infrastructure such as bus, rail, or for-hire vehicles, garages

hotels, and places of accommodation

3. Essential manufacturing including

food processing, manufacturing agents, including all foods and beverages

chemicals

medical equipment/instruments

pharmaceuticals

sanitary products

telecommunications

microelectronics/semi-conductor

agriculture/farms

household paper products

4. Essential retail including

grocery stores including all food and beverage stores

pharmacies

convenience stores

farmer’s markets

gas stations

restaurants/bars (but only for take-out/delivery)

hardware and building material stores

5. Essential services including

trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal

mail and shipping services

laundromats

building cleaning and maintenance

child care services

auto repair

warehouse/distribution and fulfillment

funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries

storage for essential businesses

animal shelters

6. News media

7. Financial Institutions including

banks

insurance

payroll

accounting

services related to financial markets

8. Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations including

homeless shelters and congregate care facilities

food banks

human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care

or support

9. Construction including

skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers

other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes

10. Defense

defense and national security-related operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the US government

11. Essential services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses including

law enforcement

fire prevention and response

building code enforcement

security

emergency management and response

building cleaners or janitors

general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor

automotive repair

disinfection

12. Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services:

logistics

technology support for online services

child care programs and services

government owned or leased buildings

essential government 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:

Remain indoors

Can go outside for solitary exercise

Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature

Wear a mask in the company of others

Stay at least 6 feet from others

Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary

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.