COVID-19: Update from the Governor’s Press Conference Today

March 20, 2020

In his daily press briefing, Governor Cuomo stated this morning that all non-essential businesses will be required to reduce their workplace staffs to zero. He stated that this will be enforced. Violations of the workplace reduction will result in civil fines and even mandatory closure for any business not in compliance. NOTE: ESSENTIAL SERVICES DO NOT HAVE TO BE REDUCED.

The actual language of the Executive Order is not yet available. We do not expect the actual language to be available until late tonight.

Our expectation is that this new order will be effective at 8:00 p.m. Saturday or Sunday evening. To view the most recent guidance on essential businesses, please see this link and our blog post from this morning. This could be revised as well as the situation evolves.

The Governor also announced a moratorium on commercial and residential evictions for 90 days.

Additionally, the Governor announced that there will be restrictions on “vulnerable populations.” This includes seniors over 70, immune-compromised people, and those with underlying illnesses. Those vulnerable people must:

Remain indoors
Go outside for solitary exercise
Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their temperature
NOT visit households with multiple people
Wear a mask in the company of others
Stay 6 feet away from individuals
Not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary.

To greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people should wear a mask.

We will provide more information as it is available. The attorneys at Bond, Schoeneck & King are here for you during these unprecedented times. Be well.

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