Empire State Development Business Reopening Tool The Governor’s Office has made us aware that last night New York State launched a new business reopening tool that uses NAICS codes to clarify what businesses are allowed to reopen. We have been informed the new tool will not impact essential business designations. We strongly recommend all clients with business operations in the State test this new tool with your NAICS codes to ensure it reflects your individual business’ current operating status. Remember, the [...]

Five Upstate Regions Beginning Phase 1 Reopening Today Five upstate New York regions – the North Country, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and the Southern Tier – have begun Phase 1 reopening operations.  For the remaining five regions – Western New York, the Capital Region, the Mid-Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island – “New York State on PAUSE” business restrictions and social protocols have been extended through May 28.  Governor Cuomo today stated that if any of [...]

Central New York has become the fifth region in New York State that will begin its Phase I reopening tomorrow, May 15 at 12:01am (joining the North Country, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Tier regions). 

Today Governor Cuomo announced that 12 additional counties are now eligible to restart elective surgeries, leaving Erie as the only upstate county that is still restricted from performing these types of procedures. The complete list of counties that are restricted from performing elective surgeries is below:

Reopening Process Governor Cuomo today stressed the State must continue to follow CDC guidelines and reopening criteria while also learning from what other countries and states have done when Regions begin the reopening process. The status of each region in the State will be updated daily with their standing made public here regarding eligibility for reopening. Currently the Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier Regions are set to begin Phase 1 of reopening on Friday, May 15th. The counties within [...]

Regional Reopening Today Governor Cuomo released his “NY Forward” guidance document broadly outlining the State’s economic reopening plan. The Governor announced three regions in the State will be eligible for Phase I of the reopening process effective May 15th: the Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and Finger Lakes have met the key metrics laid out by New York State in conjunction with the Center for Dieses Control reopening guidance.   Highlights of NY Forward guidance:  For each region there will be “Control Rooms” to [...]

Regional Reopening in New York State “New York State on PAUSE” business restrictions and social protocols are set to expire on Friday, May 15.  Governor Cuomo today stated he will discuss regional reopening plans in more detail tomorrow, May 11, and he revealed that there will be regions that are eligible to begin a phased reopening on May 15. Nursing Home Protections The Governor announced additional measures to protect residents and staff in nursing homes: If a nursing home has a [...]

“New York State on PAUSE” NOT Extended to June 6 Following inconsistent messages circulating in the press, the Governor’s Office announced that “New York State on PAUSE” business restrictions and social protocols have NOT been extended to June 6.  The following release was issued a short time ago: For Immediate Release: 5/9/2020GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR MELISSA DEROSA ON NY ON PAUSE EXECUTIVE ORDER "NY ON PAUSE was not extended to June 6. "Yesterday's Executive Order [...]

Child Victims Act Extension Governor Cuomo today announced that New York State will extend the window for victims to file cases under the Child Victims Act until January 14, 2021.  The current deadline for filing a case is August 2020, however the Governor stated that COVID-19 has limited survivors’ ability to file claims. Reimagine Education Advisory Council The Governor today announced members of the Reimagine Education Advisory Council.  The Council, chaired by SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras, will be [...]

Legislative Hearing Scheduled The State Senate and Assembly announced today a joint public hearing that will focus on the federal response to the COVID crisis, including but not limited to, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, and whether the federal assistance provided was adequate and accessible for small businesses across the State. Thea hearing will be virtual and has been scheduled for May 13th at 10am. Nourish New York [...]