The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has some excellent information available to help you navigate through this difficult time. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also has guidance for businesses and employers.
NEW YORK ON FREEZE
- Sunday March 22, 2020 at 8:00 pm marks the beginning of the mandated 100% reduction of staff for businesses not considered essential. Please see the breakdown of essential businesses and the link to a waiver form for businesses looking to stay open.
- Governor Cuomo encouraging companies with proper equipment or personnel to manufacture medical supplies.
- All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned. Details of this restriction are part of New York State’s 10 point “PAUSE Program”.
***Testing remains free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.***
Center for Disease Control and Prevention information:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
- CDC Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
- CDC Large Event Planning Interim Guidance
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- OSHA Guidance: Getting the Workplace Ready for COVID-19
Local information:
NYS information:
- NYS Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Page
- Phone number for companies needing supplies to produce materials for COVID-19- 212-803-3100. Call will route to the Empire State Development line with a menu selection.
- Sign up for the latest COVID-19 updates from NYS.
- NY Attorney General COVID-19 Application For Suspension Of Debt Collection Activity.
NYS Small Business:
- The NYS Small Business Development Center network recommends submitting a request for assistance online at http://nyssbdc.org/appointment.html.
- Businesses can take advantage of free assistance offered by SBA’s network of Resource Partners for help with preparing their loan applications. Visit www.sba.gov/local-assistance to find local help.
- SBA has approved a statewide disaster declaration for NY. Eligible small businesses may now apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
- Fact sheet with important information about the declaration and EIDL requirements at this link: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Declarations/DeclarationDetails?declNumber=6063499&direct=false
Empire State Development:
- ESD COVID-19 Related resources https://esd.ny.gov/esd-covid-19-related-resources
- FAQ page for individuals and businesses with business-related COVID-19 issues and questions.
- Submission form for COVID-19-Related Business Questions: https://esd.ny.gov/covid-19-help
New York State Department Of Labor (NYSDOL):
- Unemployment Insurance- NYSDOL has new rules that include extended hours and restrictions about when to file (based on last name). https://labor.ny.gov/pressreleases/2020/march-17-2020-1.shtm
- The Shared Work Program can provide an alternative to laying off employees during business downturns by allowing workers to work a reduced work schedule and collect partial unemployment insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks. Instead of cutting staff, you able to reduce the number of hours of all employees or just a certain group:
The Business Council’s Coronavirus Page:
- For questions on how to manage staff or to seek clarification on any new policy or mandates regarding worker’s rights, email Frank Kerbein, Director at the Center for Human Resources, or call direct 1-800-332-2117. https://www.bcnys.org/human-resources-information
Additional Resources:
