| Latest Information |
| New York State Coronavirus Information |
| Assistance for Struggling Employers |
| New State & Federal Paid Sick Leave Laws |
| Human Resources Questions & Concerns |
| PPE Suppliers |
| Reopening Signage |
| Members Making an Impact |
| Recorded Content |
| Simple Tips to Avoid Contracting COVID-19 |
New York State Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate for Businesses Starting February 10
On February 9, Governor Hochul lifted the Mask or Vaccination requirement for businesses. Masks will still be required in hospitals, nursing homes, shelters, transportation, and other related areas.
Basic Info
- The New York State Department of Health is tracking COVID-19 and updating the public on all confirmed, potential and pending test cases.
- The state has also instituted a hotline, 1-888-364-3065, for those wishing to have their questions and concerns addressed.
Useful Links for Employers
- New York State Paid Emergency Sick Leave
- Guidelines on the New York State WARN Act
- New York State Unemployment Insurance Guidelines
- New York State Unemployment Insurance Shared Work Guidelines
Useful Links for Business Council Insurance Fund Members
**The Business Council is able to handle remote, online, and social distancing enrollment of our insurance products. Learn more on the benefits and process of enrollment here.
Paid Leave Tax Credit for Vaccines
A federal tax credit is available for employees of small and medium-sized businesses to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Employers with less than 500 employees can claim up to $511 per day & per employee to receive a vaccine.
New York State Creates COVID -19 Tracking App
Download the New York State app to get COVID-19 exposure alerts and help protect yourself and community while maintaining your privacy.
New York State Offering Funding to Manufacturers
New York State announced on September 10 there is $2.3 million in CARES Act funding available to help small and mid-sized manufacturers recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Full details can be found here.
New Guidance: Employers Must Provide Masks to Employees Working with the Public
On April 12 Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order requiring all essential employers to provide “face coverings” for any employee who has direct contact with the public. This mandate takes effect at 8:00 pm April 15th. Failure to comply is a violation of §12 or 12-b of the Public Health Law.
Full Department of Health guidance
The Business Council summary of guidance
**Some of this content is normally for Business Council members. However, during these unusual times we have decided to share all critical information. Click here if you are interested in becoming a member**
New York State Wage Reduction Policy
The Wage Theft Prevention Act (WTPA) took effect on April 9, 2011.The law requires employers to give written notice of wage rates to each new hire.
Guidance to Paycheck Protection Program Forgiveness
The US Chamber of Commerce recently released a useful and easy to follow guide on what businesses need to do to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans. Access the guide here.
US Chamber Offers $5,000 Business Grants
The US Chamber of Commerce 'Save Small Business Fund' is a grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories.
Additional Small Business Loan Information
Additional Employer Resources
- Centers for Disease Control
- OSHA
- EEOC
- World Health Organization
- New York Health Department
- Small Business Administration
Both state and federal lawmakers have implemented new paid sick leave mandates in response to the coronavirus. The federal law expands other employee leave programs as well. A breakdown of the new laws can be found here.
**This content is normally for Business Council members. However, during these unusual times we have decided to share all critical information. Click here if you are interested in becoming a member**
Members who have human resource questions related to handling COVID-19 cases can e-mail Frank Kerbein, Director of the Center for Human Resources, or call 1-800-332-2117.
As New York State begins to reopen the economy and allow businesses to once again open their doors, employers in a variety of sectors will be in need of PPE and other safety products to meet state requirements. Our PPE Suppliers page is meant to connect our members with businesses selling safety and sanitary products often time hard to come by during the pandemic.
If you would like your business listed here, please contact Patrick Bailey.
As New York State continues to reopen in phases, businesses will need to make sure they are compliant with rules, regulations and policies on informing staff of safety measures. Please feel free to download and use the signage The Business Council will be posting during our reopening stage.
Every business has been impacted by the coronavirus in some form. Still many businesses, who have the ability, are putting their needs on hold or taking on additional ventures to aid in the fight and assist the public in this difficult time. Their stories can be found here.
Webinar: The Impact of Coronavirus on Employers III
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in New York State, it is important that employers and employees understand the impacts of the virus and how the strand affects individuals, day to day business and the economy.
Recorded April 2, 2020
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has many useful tips and suggestions on how to avoid contracting the coronavirus. These measures include:
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
The CDC says the virus is spread mainly from person-to-person including between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes in which the droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
The US Chamber has updated general workplace health and safety measures for employees.
