Pandemic Business News, Information & Resources

Click here for the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act Explainer Passed on December 21, 2020

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New Regulations for Bars and Restaurants to Ensure Compliance with State Social Distancing and Face Covering Orders

On July 16, the Governor announced that all restaurants and bars statewide will be subject to new requirements that they must only serve alcohol to people who are ordering and eating food and that all service at bar tops must only be for seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by physical barriers.

Under current law, only establishments that serve food are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages. For each patron in a seated party, an item of food must be purchased at the same time as the purchase of the initial alcoholic beverage(s).

However, one or more shareable food item(s) may be purchased, so long as it/they would sufficiently serve the number of people in the party.

New York City restaurants violating social distancing and other health regulations risk losing their liquor license.

As part of the "Three Strikes and You're Closed" initiative, any establishment that receives three violations will be shut down. The state does not approve of outdoor bars where you set up tables for people to place drinks and have people mingling outside.

Businesses can find guidelines and regulations at the NYS Liquor Authority website at https://sla.ny.gov/

Specific Guidelines for Licensed On-Premises Establishments can be found at

https://sla.ny.gov/phase3-guidelines-for-on-premises-licenses and at
https://sla.ny.gov/guidance-requirement-licensees-premises-service-privileges-serve-food-alcoholic-beverages

The New York Department of Health has released a new rule regarding face coverings.

It reads in part, "Business operators and building owners, and those authorized on their behalf shall deny admittance to any person who fails to comply with this section [requiring face coverings] and shall require or compel such persons’ removal." Individuals found violating this rule are subject to a $1,000 civil penalty per violation, and businesses are subject to a $2,000 civil penalty per violation. The full rule can be found here.
The Small Business Development Center has released a number of checklists and assessments to assist businesses in determining if they should reopen and how to plan for the future. Those checklists can be found here.
The Department of Labor has released an online tool to help individuals determine if they qualify for paid sick leave due to COVID-19. It can be found here. A tool for employers is currently being developed.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an Executive Order mandating a 14 day quarantine and eliminating emergency paid sick leave benefits for individuals that voluntarily travel to states on New York's Travel Advisory list. The Executive Order can be found here. The Travel Advisory list can be found here. Additionally, the State will now issue a $2,000 fine for travelers who visit states that are under the travel quarantine order, but fail to fill out a Traveler Health Form. You can find an electronic copy of that form here.
New Regulations for Restaurants, Bars, Gyms and Private Residences
LATEST NEWS
In a press conference on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, the Governor announced that any establishment with a State Liquor Authority license must close each night by 10PM beginning Friday, November 13, 2020.
The Governor also announced that indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences will be limited to no more than 10 people.
Click HERE for more information about the Executive Order
Governor Cuomo approved an additional 30 day extension of his Executive Order that allows restaurants and bars to serve cocktails and wine to go. They can continue to offer alcohol for takeout or delivery under special rules. Additionally, restaurants and bars are permitted to serve alcohol in expanded outdoor seating.

OSHA is reminding employers of their duty to protect employees from the risks and dangers of heat exposure. Guidance on how to ensure your employees are safe can be found here.
Renters impacted by the pandemic can now apply to a new COVID Rental Assistance Program. The program will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fun, which is part of the CARES Act. New Yorkers can access program applications here.

Chamber Continues to Work for Your Business

Listen to our Interview with WRIP regarding our local businesses in Greene County here.

Your Greene County Chamber of Commerce continues to monitor developments as we move forward with reopening our economy. This includes working with and staying in touch with business owners to monitor how our economic sectors are performing as well as taking that feedback to our elected and government officials to help craft workable policies and guidelines for our businesses to operate under.

We must all remain diligent and committed to limiting the spread of the virus. The Chamber strongly encourages everyone to continue to wear masks in public, remain six feet apart and regularly wash your hands. By keeping our infection numbers low, we keep our businesses open and successful. A large outbreak will likely devastate our economy, even if the government does not reenact shutdowns. For the health and safety of all Greene County inhabitants and for the sake of our business community we ask that everyone do their part as a good citizen and help to control the spread.

Additionally, each business needs to remain vigilant in implementing its safety plan according to its industry guidelines and to enforce your safety plan with your patrons. These measures will ensure that our businesses can remain open.

As we continue to navigate this new and ever-changing operating environment, please know that your Chamber is here for you and beside you. The Greene County Chamber of Commerce is working tirelessly on your behalf to help our leaders craft workable solutions and directives, and to get you the latest information to help you plan for your success. We are united as a business community to drive economic prosperity with one voice, one mission, for our local communities. We thank you for your support and encourage you to contact us if you need anything.

Jeff Friedman

President/Executive Director

Greene County Chamber of Commerce - Our Team

Centers For Disease Control

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCov/

On March 15, the CDC put out official guidance regarding mass gatherings of people. It included the recommendation that all events of 50+ people be postponed for at least 8 weeks. For those who organize events for those considered "at-risk", it is recommended the gatherings be no more than 10 people.

Additional Resources:

Paycheck Protection Program Lender Information

Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Information

Paycheck Protection Program Application

NYDOL Immediate Job Openings

Guidance For Cleaning and Disinfection For COVID-19 For Retail Stores

United States Small Business Administration

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters.

New York State Government

https://www.ny.gov/

Now in effect in New York State: Crowd capacity reduced to 50; restaurants/bars will be takeout/delivery only; gyms, movie theaters, and casinos are closed.

New York State Economic Development

https://esd.ny.gov/esd-covid-19-related-resources

Included here from New York State are FAQs for businesses, FAQs for tourism industry, interim guidance on large gatherings and public spaces.

New York State Department of Labor

https://labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm

New York State has decided to waive the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines. Any UI applications must reference employer name and corresponding FEIN Employer Number. Click the link above to see how to file a claim.

Mi

Greene County Chamber of Commerce
327 Main Street, P.O. Box 248 , Catskill, NY 12414
P: 518-943-4222 F: 518-751-2267
info@greenecountychamber.com

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