Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he is signing the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone. It includes a new directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.
Empire State Development has issued guidance regarding which businesses are deemed essential and what non-essential.
The guidance lists sixty-six categories of business that are designated “essential.” It states that the essential business designations, and the staffing restrictions, apply on a location specific business. It also provides that if a business performs both essential and non-essential functions, only those business operations related to the essential services are exempt.
The Governor’s 10-point NYS on PAUSE plan is as follows:
- Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed
- 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
- Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced
- When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others
- Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet
- Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people
- 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
- 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
- Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations
- Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.
Restaurants & Bars are still allowed to be open for Delivery and take-out and fall under “Essential”.
Comment from Cindy Kriegar
Time March 23, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Very grateful for Governor Cuomo and his handling of this emergency situation but could someone please assist in watching out for him and the others coming out into these press conferences and into the public and equip them with masks and gloves. Please be sure we are all watching out for everyone. God Bless and prayers for everyone’s good health. Sincerely, Cindy