Montgomery County NY Treasurer issued the following announcement on May 18
- NEW YORK FORWARD FAQ
Updated: May 15, 2020
- How do I know if I am in an industry and a region that is permitted to reopen?
Answer: Please refer HERE to determine if your business is in an industry that is eligible to reopen and HERE to see if your region has met the criteria necessary to reopen.
- Where do I get the Guidance for my industry?
Answer: Please review the Industry Guidance documents HERE. Please note that these are subject to change.
Additionally, please review information related to the state’s regional control rooms HERE, which are a resource to regions throughout the reopening process.
- In which Phases will different types of businesses reopen?
Answer: Please see the Governor’s current reopening plan HERE. Note that this plan is subject to change, and is evolving continuously.
- My business was previously allowed to operate because I am providing a support function to an essential business. However, I am not in a Phase 1 industry or region. Am I allowed to continue operating?
Answer: Yes, your business is permitted to continue operations in support of an “essential” business designation, as previously permitted. You may be subject to additional health related requirements, to the extent you were not following such guidance prior. Please refer to the Essential Business Guidance and industry-specific documents HERE.
- If I am an essential business, am I subject to the new operating requirements detailed in the Guidance?
Answer: Yes. The increased measures detailed in the Guidance are in furtherance of public health and safety, and all businesses as well as units of State and local government are required to ensure this standard of safety.
- My industry is not included in the newly posted Guidance, but my business, or certain parts of my business functions were “essential” under ESD’s Essential Business Guidance. Am I permitted to continue operating?
Answer: Yes, if your business or business function is currently “essential” under ESD’s Essential Business Guidance, you may continue to operate. Please continue to regularly check the New York Forward site for guidance that is applicable to your business or certain parts of your business functions. Once guidance is posted that is applicable, you should read and affirm that you are operating in accordance with the health and safety requirements designed to protect your employees and customers.
- Due to special circumstances, I cannot fully comply with the Guidance, can I apply for a waiver?
Answer: No, due to health and safety concerns, waivers will not be issued.
- Local Government operations were excluded from the essential business designation, does this mean all municipally owned sites can continue in counties that are still on PAUSE?
Answer: Municipal government operations should practice physical distancing and telecommuting as much as possible, however it is up to the individual municipality how they determine which functions are essential. All local governments are operating at a maximum of 50% in-person workforce presence.
- What if my business cannot procure enough protective equipment for all workers?
Answer: If your business cannot procure the required protective equipment, then your business cannot operate safely. Your business can only reopen when you are able to fully supply adequate protective equipment and to help protect the health and safety of your workers. You may contact your county Office of Emergency Management for assistance in procuring PPE, to the extent it is available.
- Do I need to create a reopening plan? If so, what should my plan include? Can I receive a template or checklist from NYS?
Answer: Yes. All businesses, including essential businesses, must develop a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan. Plan information may be found HERE. Your COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan should include the ways in which you intend to comply with the Guidance, to safely reopen. More information may be found HERE.
- How is in-store pick up defined?
Answer: In-store pickup is defined as a customer placing an order for specific item(s) by phone or internet in advance, then collecting such order at the retail location. The retail location must abide by physical distancing requirements which prohibit occupancy within the location to no more than 50% of the maximum occupancy, including both employees and customers. Customers are only allowed on the premise to retrieve their prearranged order; not to browse or place an in-person order. Customers must maintain 6 feet of space from others or wear an acceptable face covering, if unable to maintain such distance.
| Region | Counties | |
| Capital | Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington | capnyf@esd.ny.gov |
| Central NY | Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego | cnynyf@esd.ny.gov |
| Finger Lakes | Genessee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates | flnyf@esd.ny.gov |
| Long Island | Nassau, Suffolk | linyf@esd.ny.gov |
| Mid-Hudson | Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, Westchester | mhnyf@esd.ny.gov |
| Mohawk Valley | Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie | mvnyf@esd.ny.gov |
| New York City | Bronx, Kings, New York, Richmond, Queens | nycnyf@esd.ny.gov |
| North Country | Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence | ncnyf@esd.ny.gov |
| Southern Tier | Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins | stnyf@esd.ny.gov |
| Western NY | Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara | wnynyf@esd.ny.gov |
Original source can be found here.
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