Coronavirus Update Friday, March 19, 2020

NYS Update:

During his public address on 3/19/2020, Governor Cuomo announced he will be revising the executive order directing non-essential businesses to implement work-from-home policies. Governor Cuomo stated non-essential businesses that rely on in-office personnel must decrease their in-office workforce from 50% to 75%. This executive order goes into effect on March 20th, 2020 at 8 pm. The following industries are EXEMPT from this requirement:

  • Essential health care operations including research and laboratory services;
  • Essential infrastructure including utilities, telecommunication, airports and transportation infrastructure;
  • Essential manufacturing, including food processing and pharmaceuticals;
  • Essential retail including grocery stores and pharmacies;
  • Essential services including trash collection, mail, and shipping services; news media; banks and related financial institutions;
  • Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations;
  •  Construction;
  • Vendors of essential services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations
    of residences or other essential businesses;
  • Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support,
    child care and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and
    provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the public

Federal Update:

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the emergency coronavirus bill expanding FMLA and granting paid sick leave. This bill takes effect starting April 2, 2020 and runs to December 31, 2020. Further guidance is expected from the Department of Labor and other agencies in the coming days and weeks.

For additional information the following resources are available to you and your employees:

CDC: http://www.coronavirus.gov
Erie County: www.erie.gov/covid19
Monroe County: https://www2.monroecounty.gov/health-coronavirus
Niagara: https://www.niagaracounty.com/health/Services/Public-HealthPreparedness/NOVEL-CORONAVIRUS-2019-nCoV
NYSDOH: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

Citations
Executive Order No. 202.7: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency. Mar. 19, 2020
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-2027-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency
Guidance on Executive Order 202.6. Guidance for Determining Whether A Business Enterprise Is Subject To A 75% Workforce Reduction Under Executive Order 202.6. Mar. 20, 2020, https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026