New York State Goes “On Pause”

By Susan DeSantis

March 20, 2020

New York State Goes “On Pause”

3.20.2020

By Susan DeSantis

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has issued an executive order mandating that 100 percent of the state’s nonessential workforce – including law firms – stay home.

The order, which Gov. Cuomo describes as New York State going “on pause,” goes into effect Sunday evening with all non-essential businesses and commercial establishments closed down and all non-essential employees working from home.

The Governor noted today that this is a legal order and will be enforced. Businesses not in compliance are subject to civil fines and mandatory closure.

The order exempts pharmacies, grocery stores and other essential services. New York State Empire State Development has comprehensive information regarding which businesses are deemed to be essential.

Businesses that are not considered to be essential but believe they should be exempt from the reduction of in-person workforce can request designation as an essential business.

Gov. Cuomo also announced Matilda’s Law today, named after his mother, to protect New Yorkers age 70 and up and those with compromised immune systems. This urges them to remain indoors, prescreen all visitors by having them check their temperature, keep six feet away and require them to wear a mask.

Other orders today from Gov. Cuomo:

  • A 90-day halt for all evictions of residential and commercial tenants.
  • Notarial acts required under state law are authorized to be performed via video technology
  • Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are now cancelled.
  • Limit the use of public transportation to only when absolutely necessary.
  • Don’t walk into an emergency room or doctor’s office without calling ahead first. Instead, have a telehealth consultation to determine if in-person medical care is appropriate.

 

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