COVID-19: Update from the Governor’s Press Conference Today
March 20, 2020
By: Hermes Fernandez
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 the Bond information memo sent 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, 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
- Must wear a mask in the company of others
- Stay 6 feet away from individuals
- Do 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 and King are here for you during these unprecedented times. Be well.
