Directives for gatherings and facilities, including parks and transportation

Friday, August 7, 2020

Stay-At-Home (PAUSE)

Coronavirus Order Issued For New York State, issued 3/22/2020.

5/26/2020 (updated) The New York State stay-at-home directive will be in effect until June 27 for regions that do not meet the re-opening criteria. After May 15, New York State will re-open by region, as each region qualifies for re-opening. See the reopening page for information about reopening.

What is stay-at-home (PAUSE)?

Businesses and government offices that rely on in-office personnel must have 100% of their employees work from home. Exceptions will be made for essential businesses and services, including the shipping industry, warehouses, grocery and food production, pharmacies, media, banks and related financial institutions, and businesses essential to the supply chain. Read more about essential businesses as listed in Gov. Cuomo's Executive Order: esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

What is "Stay-at-Home" or PAUSE?

In general, this means that people would not be allowed to leave their homes except for essentials such as groceries and medicine or emergencies. When you go outside, practice social distancing of 6' from other people and cover your nose and mouth by using scarves, bandanas or masks. Businesses that do not provide essential services must close and send workers home. Businesses considered essential could include grocery stores, restaurants that do take out service, pharmacies, and hardware stores. Public transportation will continue to operate to get nurses, doctors, law enforcement officers, and other essential personnel where they need to go. Everyone else: Limit the use of public transportation to only when necessary.

Stay-at-Home implementation

Gatherings of no more than 10 people are allowed statewide. Social distancing measures must be enforced and all participants must wear masks.
Businesses may refuse entry to customers who are not wearing masks. [Suggestion: have spare masks to give to customers who don't have them, if feasible.)
7/15/2020 Bars and restaurants in New York City can only serve alcohol to people who are ordering and eating food, and all service at bar tops must be for seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by physical barriers.
The state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program may resume on-site visitation effective July 15, 2020. This program provides additional support to residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Ombudsman staff must utilize appropriate PPE for the duration of the visit, and must be screened as if they were a staff person of such nursing home, including having to present a verified negative test result to the nursing home within the past week.
7/21/2020 College sports. If college sports resume in the fall, no fans will be allowed. Just like with professional sports, college athletics can resume but no fans or spectators will be permitted at stadiums. [Source: Gov. Cuomo's email of 7/21/2020]
7/10/2020 Large events requiring a city events permit will be canceled through September 30 as the City works to prioritize open spaces for public use. The City will not issue a permit for any event in a location that interferes with the Open Streets or Open Restaurants program. Permits will also be denied for all events larger than one block, stage/video events that require amplification, street fairs, and events in parks that may unreasonably diminish public use. The City will refund or defer fees paid in connection with a denied permit.
7/10/2020 Events that do not conflict with Open Streets or Open Restaurant areas and are for locations one city block or smaller can still apply for a permit. All permit applicants must outline their plan to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 at the event site and clean the event space both during and after the event. Applicants will be expected to address these concerns without utilizing City services, personnel and resources. Demonstrations, religious events, and press conferences will be exempt from the Executive Order and may receive permits.
7/8/2020 All county fairs across the state are canceled.
July 1 Beaches are open (with social distancing and face coverings). Concessions may open starting July 12.
6/6/2020 Port Authority’s airports, bridges, tunnels, and terminals, PATH system, seaports, and World Trade Center transportation hub remain open and operational, the agency reminds the traveling public that face coverings are required in its facilities. The requirement for face coverings is a key part of agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been instituted as a result of the New York and New Jersey emergency orders.
Complaints regarding the operation of non-essential businesses or gatherings can be filed via an online form labor.ny.gov/workerprotection/laborstandards/coronavirus-complaints.shtm or call 1-833-789-0470.
5/10/2020 The number of city workers deployed as 'social distancing ambassadors' will grow by next weekend from around 1,000 to 2,300, according to Mayor de Blasio. There has been criticism of the NYPD that their enforcement of social distancing rules has been too aggressive.
NYC street permits will not be issued for May and June events.
Film permit restrictions are extended through June 30. 6/25/2020 The Film Office is now accepting permit applications for production activity commencing on July 1 or later, including principal photography with up to 10 cast and crew members. Production guidelines and an FAQ are posted on the Film Permit website www1.nyc.gov/site/mome/permits/permits.page. Applicants should review the guidelines and FAQ before submitting permit applications. Please note that the Film Office is operating remotely, so please allow additional time for Film Permit processing.
There will be no sleep away camps this summer of 2020 in the state of New York.
After May 15, New York State will open on a regional basis as regions meet the guidelines for re-opening. Re-opening will be in stages defined by risk and whether the activity is essential. Public health (saving lives) and the economy will both be considered.
4/12/2020 Employers are required to provide essential workers with cloth or surgical masks for employees to wear when interacting with the public (NYS Supplemental Executive Order 202.16).
Matilda's Law is intended to protect New Yorkers aged 70+ and those immunocompromised. This law directs people in this group to remain indoors, pre-screen visitors by taking their temperature, ask visitors to wear masks, and social distance of at least six feet.
5/3/2020 Starting May 6th, the NYC subway system will be closed daily for four hours from 1-5am. This will allow the MTA to do deep cleaning and disinfect every subway car every 24 hours. Source: Gov. Cuomo email of 5/3/2020.
5/4/2020 Long Island Railroad trains will also receive deep cleaning, but no service interruptions will be required.
5/4/2020 Penn Station (Amtrack) will close from 1-5am for deep cleaning. Service will continue during those hours, but only ticketed passengers will be allowed inside the station.
Fleet Week (May 20-26) is cancelled militarynews.com/app/fleetweeknewyork
3/17/2020 Bars, Restaurants and Entertainment Venues Closed.
Restaurants, bars and cafes can only serve take-out and delivery. You can continue to order directly from businesses or use third-party delivery services. Alcoholic beverages will now also be available for delivery, as a part of this rule. This is not a permanent change and would only be in effect for the duration of the mandatory closures. 8/7/2020 New York restaurants and bars can continue selling alcoholic beverages for takeout and delivery until September 4. This extends a measure first implemented March 17th. Remember that bars are responsible for the sidewalk/area in front of their establishment and must comply with health regulations or they can lose their liquor license. NYS Liquor Authority guidance sla.ny.gov/Restrictions-in-Response-to-COVID-19
4/8/2020 The FDA has provided updated recommendations to employers on maintaining social distancing among employees in food retail establishments and on whether employees should wear face coverings to prevent exposure to COVID-19. The information is found in the "Questions & Answers for Industry" section fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19.
Temporary closure of all indoor portions of retail shopping malls, amusement parks, and bowling alleys.For details, visit the NYC Department of Health website: www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
Bars that do not serve food, along with nightclubs, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, small theater houses and concert venues must all close until further notice.
5/14/2020 The Broadway League, a trade organization representing producers and theater owners, said that Broadway’s 41 theaters would remain shuttered at least through Labor Day. Some off-Broadway theaters are also closed through the summer.
**New York State has "Stay-at-Home" guidance.
CDC recommends no more than 10 people. In NYS, this applies to regions that are in Phase 1 or 2.
In NYS - regions that are in Phase 3 can have gatherings up to 25 people.
NYC Public School Buildings Closed, New York City public schools begin Remote Learning on March 23 for until at least Spring Recess and possibly until the end of the term.
4/6/2020 All child care centers closed except for the city run enrichment centers.
3/21/2020 Barber shops, nail and hair salons, tattoo shops, and similar personal care services will be closed until further notice.
4/1/2020 City parks are open, with the exception of the High Line. Team sports are not permitted. Comfort stations within parks will remain open, and will continue to be cleaned and resupplied regularly. If anyone observes a comfort station that is not properly supplied, the best way to route the report is via 311, so the agency can be immediately notified and the matter can be addressed accordingly. Social distancing, maintaining a 6' space between people, will be strictly enforced. Also remember to wash your hands after touching things in the parks. Basketball hoops have been removed. Check the Parks Department website for updates: nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/coronavirus
4/1/2020 Playgrounds are closed. Stay updated at nyc.gov/parks.
4/6/2020 Dog runs will be closed until further notice.
4/6/2020 Tennis Courts, Handball Courts, and Basketball Courts located outside of Playgrounds will be closed until further notice. Any existing fences or gates around these park features will be locked, elements such as tennis nets and basketball rims will be removed, and advisory signage will be posted.
4/6/2020 Soccer fields will continue to remain open, but will be carefully monitored. Any soccer fields where persistent disregard of social distancing is observed will be closed, existing fences or gates will be locked, and elements such as soccer goals will be removed.
4/8/2020 Safe Streets Pilot Update: Last night, the Administration reached a decision to suspend the safe streets pilot. Over the past two weeks, the City did not observe enough people utilizing the open space to justify the presence of the over 80 members of the NYPD across the four sites. They are still open to reviewing other innovative ways to open public space to New Yorkers and may adjust course as this situation evolves.
3/17/2020, all City recreation centers and nature centers are closed to the public until further notice. NYC Parks has cancelled all events with 50 or more expected attendees through April 12th, inclusing tournaments and sport practices, special events and programs.
4/9/2020 New York shutters golf courses, boat launches as coronavirus deaths grow
April 9, 2020, democratandchronicle.com, by Joseph Spector and Mark Lungariello
3/27/2020 Governor Cuomo has announced that all non-essential construction must shut down except emergency construction. Essential construction may continue and includes roads, bridges, transit facilities, utilities, hospitals or health care facilities, affordable housing, and homeless shelters. Department of Buildings (DOB) guidance. The Department of Buildings has created a new map of essential or emergency construction sites which are allowed to continue working www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/html/essential-active-construction.html. www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/covid-19_construction_faqs.pdf.
Doctor visits. 3/2020 People are asked to reschedule non-essential visits, including dental. Some doctors offices offer virtual visits (Medicare Telehealth and other platforms). Some doctor's offices are asking people to come alone if they can, and to keep 6' away from the reception desk and from other patients in the waiting room, you may be asked to wear a mask. Some offices are dividing appointments between sick patients and well patients, or giving senior citizens their own time slot. Doctor's offices are now able to test for Covid-19 on a limited basis for the highest risk patients. If you are feeling severely ill, and in particular, are having trouble breathing, do not delay seeking medical care. If you are unable to go to a local emergency room, then call 911. Warn 911 if you have risks for having the coronavirus (recent travel or exposure to a known case).
The Department of Buildings has sent an industry-wide notification to contractors and construction professionals in New York City, advising them to take all necessary precautions on construction sites to protect their workers and the public, and special care in following DOHMH guidance to limit the spread of COVID-19. In the event a construction site is closed down by contractors for a prolonged period of time due to illness, cleaning, or merely as a precaution, contractors should first inform the Department by sending an email to COVID-19@buildings.nyc.gov, and take appropriate measures to properly secure the site.
Buildings that have areas that are open to the public are taking extra precautions with cleaning and disinfecting. Residential buildings may ask residents to reschedule work on their apartments, including moving, to self-quarantine for 14 days if they have recently been to countries with a high incidence of COVID-19 (China, Iran, South Korea, Italy and most of Europe), or if they test positive for it. For Tenants/Landlords - Disinfection Guidance for Buildings: www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/disinfection-guidance-for-commercial-residential-covid19.pdf

Preventive Elevator Measures: Limit the number of people getting into each car, or even better, do not ride an elevator with other people unless they are in your party. Wait for the next elevator, or take the stairs instead, which is a good source of exercise. Do not push elevator buttons with your bare finger if you can help it (and if you forget, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer right away). Use your elbow, a gloved finger, a tissue, or your sleeve to cover your finger.
DOHMH's newly released guidance, Sex and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), to learn ways to protect yourself and your partner during sex in the time of COVID-19.
4/15/2020 NYC Funeral & Burial Guidance www1.nyc.gov/site/helpnownyc/get-help/funeral-burial-guidance.page. The NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA) www1.nyc.gov/site/hra/about/about-hra.page is offering burial assistance for any individuals who are in need of assistance to meet funeral expenses. New York City residents may be eligible to receive up to $900 in financial assistance to help pay for funeral expenses.
4/17/2020 Access-A-Ride Paratransit. Per the MTA’s Essential Service Plan there are no shared paratransit rides, in accordance with public health guidelines. You may still travel with a personal care attendant or guest. Stay home if your travel is not absolutely necessary. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are displaying flu-like symptoms, do not use Paratransit service. For more information new.mta.info/accessibility/paratransit.
6/11/2020 Protesters guidelines: How to Protest Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-19-safe-protest.pdf

Legislation & executive orders

5/28/2020 Gov. Cuomo will sign an Executive Order that business owners may refuse entry to customers who are not wearing masks.

5/27/2020 Mayor de Blasio signed legislation providing relief for tenants, commercial establishments, and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new laws support struggling small businesses by imposing limits on third-party food delivery services, extending the suspension of sidewalk cafe fee collection, and protecting commercial tenants from harassment and personal liability.

Intro. 1898-A prohibits third-party food delivery services from charging restaurants a fee for telephone orders that do not result in an actual sale. The bill imposes penalties of up to $500 per violation, and the City can bring litigation seeking these penalties as well as restitution of illegally charged fees. The bill will take effect June 2, 2020, lasting until 90 days after the end of a declared emergency.

Intro. 1908-B caps the fees that third-party food delivery services can charge restaurants for the duration of a declared emergency and for 90 days thereafter. Third-party food delivery services will be prohibited from charging restaurants a fee greater than 15% per order for delivery and 5% per order for any other charge. Currently, third-party food delivery services sometimes charge up to 30% of the total order. Violators are subject to civil penalties of up to $1,000 per restaurant per day. The bill will take effect on June 2, 2020.

Intro. 1916-A suspends collection of indoor sidewalk cafe fees from restaurants from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021, and for outdoor sidewalk cafes through the duration of the emergency. Through Executive Order, the City already stopped collecting these fees for the duration of the emergency; this bill extends the suspension for indoor cafes until the end of February 2021.

Intro. 1914-A designates threatening a commercial tenant based on its status as a COVID-19 impacted business a form of harassment, effective immediately. This includes businesses that were subject to capacity restrictions, were forced to close, or business owners who contracted the virus.

Intro. 1932-A protects commercial tenants' personal assets by temporarily prohibiting the enforcement of personal liability provisions in commercial leases or rental agreements involving COVID-19 impacted tenants. Threatening to or attempting to enforce such a provision will be considered a form of harassment, effective immediately.

Intro. 1936-A expands the definition of tenant harassment to protect tenants from threats based on status as an essential employee or being impacted by COVID-19.

Intro. 1940-A codifies the Mayor's EO 107, which suspends renewal requirements for licenses and permits from City agencies during the duration of the emergency and extends such suspension for an extra 45 days. This will provide both City agencies and applicants enough time to complete and process renewals after the end of the emergency and when businesses come back online again. This bill takes effect immediately and will require the City to post a list of licenses not covered under the EO.