Good morning members,
Executive Order 202.6, announced by Governor Cuomo on Wednesday, has been issued.
Please see attached..
Its main directive is that, effective Friday, March 20 at 8 p.m., all businesses and non-profits, are to:
– utilize, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely utilize.
– Each employer [except essential businesses and or entity providing essential services or functions] shall reduce the in-person workforce at any work locations by 50% no later than March 20 at 8 p.m.
The EO includes broad categories of exempt essential businesses (see below). The EO further provides that any other business may ask to be deemed essential by requesting an opinion from the Empire State Development Corporation.
The EO also directs ESDC to issue guidance by 5 p.m. today, March 19. Note that ESDC already has a web address for questions related to COVIC-19, available here.
We have provided ESDC with a number of issues for clarification, based on a number of discussions we had with Business Council members after the EO was announced yesterday. These include clarification of the definition of essential manufacturing, clarification that entities providing goods and services to essential businesses are exempt, and others.
More details to follow as they become available.
We welcome any questions or comments you have.
“Any essential business or entity providing essential services or functions shall not be subject to the in-person restrictions. This includes
• 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.”
Best Regards, Lisa Sorin, President, Bronx Chamber of Commerce
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