Reopening NYC (NY Forward) for New York State (and city)

Saturday, August 22, 2020

New York State COVID Reopening (NY Forward) and NYC

There is no tradeoff between controlling the spread of the virus and resuming commerce and public life. Suppressing the virus is a precondition for resuming activity. 

If you participated in a protest or have been spending time with people outside your household, get tested! Sites run by New York State are free. Check with the others and with your doctor to find out if there will be charges. coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.  

Private businesses have the right to refuse service to individuals who are not wearing a mask.

Commercial buildings and retail stores may require temperature checks before entry. Operators of such buildings and businesses have the right to deny entry to anyone who refuses a temperature check, or whose temperature is above the New York State Department of Health’s guidelines.

When riding public transportation systems, masks are mandatory, and New Yorkers should follow all guidelines and protocols when riding, including maintaining social distancing to the extent possible, using hand sanitizer and observing guidance.

IMPORTANT! There is no cure or vaccine for COVID-19. To prevent the spread of coronavirus  

  • wear face coverings when in public. 7/24/2020 The CDC is now recommending that N95 masks with valves should NOT be used. They do not do a good job of protecting others if you have the virus.
  • maintain distance
  • practice good hand hygiene (and sanitize surfaces that are touched by many people)
  • stay home if sick

Overview of industries and nonprofits that can reopen in Phases 1-4

NY State website page: forward.ny.gov.

NYC website page: www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/reopening-guide

Businesses must

  • Read their relevant industry guidance.
    NY State overview of industries that are authorized to reopen during Phases 1-4  forward.ny.gov.
    Phase 1 industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-one-industries
    Phase 2 industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-two-industries
    Phase 3 industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries  
    Gatherings up to 25 people are permitted.
    Phase 4 (final phase) industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries 
    Gatherings up to 50 people are permitted. 

    • 8/24/2020 (effective date) Low-risk indoor cultural activities such as museums, aquariums and arts centers will be allowed to reopen. Those institutions will have to remain at or below 25% occupancy. They'll also have to implement protocols such as preset, staggered entry, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting. Face coverings will be mandatory and traffic flow must be controlled.

    • Karaoke Silenced, Strip Clubs Covered Up By New Coronavirus Rules
      August 21, 2020, patch.com, by Matt Troutman
      Live performances in bars and restaurants face added coronavirus restrictions under updated guidelines from the State Liquor Authority sla.ny.gov/phase3-guidelines-for-on-premises-licenses. "If offering music, indoors or out, all relevant aspects of the respective Department of Health guidance dining must be followed, e.g., patrons should not be standing except for necessary reasons (e.g., restroom, entering/exiting), standing patrons should wear face coverings, etc.," the guidelines state. "Performers should be at least 12 feet from patrons." Music should be incidental to the dining experience and not the draw itself. 

    • 8/24/2020 (effective date for New York State, however NYC will have its own guidance.) Starting August 24th, gyms and fitness centers can reopen at 33 percent capacity while enforcing rigorous safety protocols, including requiring masks be worn at all times. Gym owners and all clients must take health guidelines seriously, or gym reopening can be rolled back. Local health departments are required to strictly enforce the state guidelines to ensure gyms and fitness centers reopen safely and protect the public health. Read New York State's full guidance on gym reopening governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-gyms-and-fitness-centers-can-reopen-starting-august-24. 

    • 8/17/2020 (effective date) Bowling Alleys can open with 50% capacity. Bowlers and staff will have to wear face coverings, and every other lane will be closed. Additionally, parties will have to stay with their party at their lane, and any food or alcohol served must be ordered and delivered to each lane...Cleaning and disinfecting protocols will also be in place, especially for shared and rented equipment.

    • 7/10/2020 (effective date, but not in NYC) Malls in Phase 4 regions can open, but only if they have high-efficiency venting systems capable of reducing the spread of COVID-19. HVAC systems will be required to include filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value - or MERV - rating that filters out of the COVID-19 virus, but can, if the system makes additional protections, run on a minimum MERV of 11 (MERV 13 is preferred). Ventilation protocols include increased outdoor air, reduced air circulation, longer system run times and frequent filter checks. Staff and shoppers will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing protocols. 

www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/reopening-guide

Businesses and nonprofits must:

  • Complete an affirmation form to indicate compliance with guidelines (the form can be accessed by a link at the bottom of the industry guidelines).
     
  • Develop a safety plan to be posted where employees can see it at the place of business  (the form can be accessed by a link at the bottom of the industry guidelines).

Basic rules for all sectors

All businesses must adhere to specific hygiene, distancing, and health protocols as they reopen. 

Social Distancing - Require 6 feet of distance unless safety or core function of the work activity requires less, Reduce occupancy to under 50%, limit confined spaces to 1 person (elevators, behind cash registers, etc), Limit all in-person gatherings and meetings, and only hold them in large, well-ventilated areas with social distancing.

PPE - Provide employees with free face coverings or, if warranted, face shields or other proper protective equipment. Require face coverings if employees cannot keep 6 feet of distance due to safety or core work function.

Hygiene - Ensure frequent cleaning and disinfecting of any shared surfaces

Health Screenings - Implement mandatory health screenings for employees, including questionnaires, temperature checks.

Communication - Create distance markers, post signage throughout the workplace reminding personnel to adhere to phase 1 guidance and rules.

Travelers from these states to New York State must self-quarantine for 14 days: (Gov. Cuomo's Executive Order 205) 
Restricted states coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory#restricted-states
 

NYC's Phase 4 businesses may open on July 20 (final phase).
Industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries
Schools (must have an approved plan), Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment (zoos, botanical gardens), Media Production, Professional Sports Competitions With No Fans. IMPORTANT: The following NYC businesses and nonprofits remain CLOSED until further notice: indoor dining or activities, malls, gyms, venues with large gatherings.

New York City is now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care.

State Liquor Authority Issues Updated Guidance On Food Requirements for On-Premises Licenses to Ensure Social Distancing Requirements are Met sla.ny.gov/guidance-requirement-licensees-premises-service-privileges-serve-food-alcoholic-beverages.

NYS school reopening guidance for schools governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Pre-K_to_Grade_12_Schools_MasterGuidence.pdf.

7/30/2020 DMV-licensed driving schools can now conduct distance learning Pre-Licensing Courses. Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, driving schools across the state have been unable to offer the Pre-Licensing Course - also known as the five-hour course - to students. In order to safely meet the demand for driver training while adhering to social distancing guidelines, the State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued guidance to driving schools allowing them to conduct Pre-Licensing Courses using established and secure technology, such as Zoom, WebEx, Go To Meeting and Skype.

7/24/2020 Message from Gov. Cuomo for young people: This is not the time to fight for your right to party. We are seeing a statistically significant increase in the COVID infection rate in 21- to 30-year-olds. Remember: Young people can get seriously sick and some will die from the virus. Young people can bring it home and give it to others inadvertently. To deliver the message, we launched a social and PSA campaign to communicate the hard facts to young people. If you treat COVID lightly, you may not live to regret it. Watch the video youtube.com/watch?v=_PSvyr8xJE0. 

NYC's Phase 3 businesses may open on July 6.
Industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries
Personal care including nail salons and dog runs. Indoor dining in restaurants is not included in NYC with Phase 3 as of 7/5/2020.
[Source: State Senator Liz Krueger's email Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates 6/26/20] The Mayor announced plans to reopen recreational amenities and outdoor courts in City parks. Once the City enters Phase 3 of reopening, New Yorkers will be able to enjoy soccer fields and basketball, tennis, volleyball, bocce, and handball courts. The City will also reopen dog runs for public use. Participants in higher risk sports including basketball should only partake in individual or distanced group training. To support social distancing, Parks Ambassadors will continue staffing parks and playgrounds, handing out masks and educating patrons about maintaining safe distancing. NYC Parks continues to re-open skate parks and outdoor fitness equipment. nycgovparks.org/about/health-and-safety-guide/coronavirus. Certain film and television production activity will be permitted, including principal photography with a maximum of 25 cast and crew.  Film permit website www1.nyc.gov/site/mome/permits/permits.page. All production activity, whether it requires a Film Permit or not, must comply with New York Forward Industry Guidance. Media production activities involve a variety of operations (such as scouting, set construction, and hair and makeup), and owners/managers of media production businesses should comply with relevant industry-specific State Department of Health guidance where applicable. See the State Department of Health’s Interim Guidance for Media Production During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency for more information.

8/7/2020 Gov. Cuomo announced that New York State schools can reopen on September 10.
The school-reopening decision is based on the coronavirus statistics for the state. Individual plans by district for reopening must be approved by the state, and individual districts can decide whether to reopen in-school learning. NYC's plan is currently incomplete. They have a week to complete the plan and must hold meetings with parents and teachers. The city has requested an extension.  The NYC Department of Education (DOE) website is updated daily at schools.nyc.gov. The City’s Dept. of Education has set up a Return to School 2020 page schools.nyc.gov/school-year-20-21/return-to-school-2020 with the latest updates on reopening public schools and specifics on hybrid learning and the first day of school. Chancellor Carranza also released a letter schools.nyc.gov/about-us/news/chancellor-s-message-for-families for NYC school families.

7/15/2020 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.

7/12/2020 Concessions may open starting July 12.

7/10/2020 Takeout beer, wine and cocktails has been extended. Restaurants and bars 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.

7/1/2020 Beaches are open (with social distancing and face coverings).

 

NYC's Phase 2 businesses may reopen on June 22.
Industry guidance forward.ny.gov/new-york-city-phase-two-industries. 
Phase 2 will include commercial building management, hair salons and barbershops, outdoor and takeout/delivery food services, offices, real estate, essential and Phase 2 in-store retail, vehicle sales, leasing and rentals, retail rental, repair and cleaning and motion picture and video production with certain restrictions. It also includes the launch of the City’s Open Restaurants program, which allows eligible venues to serve patrons on sidewalks, curb lanes, plazas, and open streets while following social distancing, hygiene, and other health guidance. www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/openrestaurants.shtml. All of these businesses must operate at half capacity and with mandatory COVID safeguards in place, including social distancing and facial coverings. 8/7/2020 Open Restaurants is extended until October 31. Phase 2 reopening is expected to bring as many as 300,000 additional people to NYC. 

Open Restaurants Program  www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/openrestaurants.shtml. Restaurants must self-certify on this page www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/openrestaurants.shtml. Information about Restaurant Reopening is available at nyc.gov/restaurantreopening or by calling the Department of Small Business Services hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC. The program has been extended to October 31.

Phase 2 outdoor dining at restaurants. Social distancing between tables must be practiced. All staff must wear face coverings and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.  

A new and streamlined application process to allow restaurants to expand capacity outdoors www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/openrestaurants.shtml.

Phase 2 curb lane seating will last through Labor Day. Sidewalk seating will be in effect until the end of October (under Phase 2 guidelines). Restaurants can work with their local BID and DOT to request additional seating in plazas by emailing Plazas@dot.nyc.gov.

New York State COVID-19 Liquor Authority Guidance on Outdoor Expansion of Licensed Premises. All licensees in regions that have entered phase 2 of reopening and which have on-premises service privileges under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law (ABC Law) may, subject to the guidance below, resume outdoor, on-premises service of alcoholic beverages and/or food. This guidance shall continue until July 3, 2020 but may be extended or reduced depending upon the circumstances: https://sla.ny.gov/new-york-state-liquor-authority-guidance-outdoor-expansion-licensed-premises-response-covid-19. 

Phase 2 Motion picture and video production. Certain aspects of pre- and post-production are authorized to resume certain operations with restrictions, as well as principal photography with a maximum of 10 people. The NYC Film Office will begin accepting permit applications for production activity commencing on July 1 or later. Activity will be limited to no more than 10 cast and crew. There will be safety-related limitations on vehicles, equipment, location, and catering, along with the safety requirements in the mandated State guidance. Production guidelines will be posted on the Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment (MOME)’s website. 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.

In Phase 2, places of worship may reopen with 25% occupancy [or 50% occupancy, according to the court]. State guidelines must be followed.

Public schools and playgrounds. NYC is opening playgrounds for younger children on June 22. Team sports are not permitted. 

NYC's Phase 1 businesses may reopen on June 8.
Industry guidance forward.ny.gov/phase-one-industries
Construction, manufacturing, retail businesses can offer delivery, curbside, and in-store pickup service, wholesale, agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting. Phase 1 reopening is expected to bring 200,000-400,000 additional people to NYC.

Gatherings of no more than 10 people are allowed for Phase 1.

Low-risk recreational activities are approved to reopen statewide: tennis, golf and driving ranges (not miniature/mini golf) with food and retail services subject to the restrictions that are currently in effect within the region, and non-motorized boat use and rentals, such as row boats, kayaks, and canoes.

Health + Hospitals (H+H) Visitor policy. H+H is now allowing one visitor at a time per patient for four hours a day. Visitors are permitted to see patients in all departments of the hospital. Those visiting the hospital will be required to wear appropriate PPE, perform meticulous hand hygiene, and undergo symptom and temperature checks upon entering the hospital. Hospitals and group homes will be allowed to accept visitors at their discretion. Any facility that chooses to allow visitors must follow state guidelines, including time-limited visits and requiring visitors to wear PPE and be subject to symptom and temperature checks. Details here. 

In-person special education instruction can be held this summer. 

New York City health care providers are now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care.

Dentists can reopen on June 1. Interim Guidance For Dentistry During The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/DentistryMasterGuidance.pdf.

Medical schools statewide will be allowed to reopen on June 22nd.

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.

The New York State stay-at-home directive has been extended to June 27 for businesses that are not eligible to reopen governor.ny.gov/news/no-20231-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency.  

Hotlines

Small Business Services Restart Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692)

Coronavirus Hotline for employees to report employers who are not following guidelines 888-364-3065.

A 311 Worker Protection Hotline will launch Monday, June 8. Workers who call 311 or 1-212-436-0381 will be connected to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for immediate assistance. Worker rights and guidance is also available online here. www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/index.page.

NYC Resources, guidance 

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