May 05, 2020
Coronavirus Response Alert
Author(s): Eric M. Ferrante, Kimberly K. Harding, Richard A. McGuirk, Daniel A. Schnapp
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has officially announced guidelines for reopening regions and businesses across the state as we anticipate the May 15 expiration of the New York State “PAUSE” Order.
The governor announced four core factors that the state will assess prior to determining whether a region may begin to re-open:
From there, businesses and industries in the respective regions will be permitted to re-open in a phased approach, based on how “essential” the particular business is considered to the public, and the risks of infection to employees and customers that are inherent in its operations. Precise details remain unknown; for now, however, the following schedule has been released:
It appears no region of the state currently will be permitted to open attractions or businesses that would draw a large number of visitors from outside the local area.
In addition, the governor also announced new safety precautions businesses in New York will be required to put in place upon re-opening, including:
Although the governor did not expand on what, exactly, will be required of businesses or how such requirements will be enforced, Nixon Peabody attorneys are monitoring these and other return-to-work issues closely. Additional guidance can also be found in our prior alerts for employers generally and retailers specifically.
The foregoing has been prepared for the general information of clients and friends of the firm. It is not meant to provide legal advice with respect to any specific matter and should not be acted upon without professional counsel. If you have any questions or require any further information regarding these or other related matters, please contact your regular Nixon Peabody LLP representative. This material may be considered advertising under certain rules of professional conduct.