COVID 19 Update 5
Governor Cuomo Orders Closures
In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, Governor Andrew Cuomo today ordered all gyms, movie theaters, and casinos in the state to close at 8:00 p.m. today. Bars and restaurants must also close at 8:00 p.m. but will be open for take-out service. In addition, the Governor has asked private businesses to consider allowing employees to work from home.
This latest action comes after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released new guidelines for mass gatherings. The CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next eight weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more.
Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, and other types of assemblies. The recommendation does not apply to the day to day operations of organizations, such as schools or businesses. However, all New York schools will close for at least two weeks starting Wednesday, or sooner.
For further information, please click here.
As soon as a new Executive Order is released, we will keep you up to date.
We know the latest news and updates on COVID-19 are changing daily, so here are some helpful resources for employers:
- OSHA’s guidelines to prevent worker exposure to Coronavirus, can be found here.
- The New York State Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
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Mnuchin: Treasury would help fund sick leave
The US Treasury Department would make funds available to help employers comply with a requirement for paid sick leave under a House bill meant to fight the coronavirus pandemic, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin says. “We are hearing feedback that certain small businesses are concerned about the burden of this,” Mnuchin says.
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Molinaro to Host Live Telephone Town Hall on March 18
Poughkeepsie… In light of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 emerging health situation and the need to increase social distancing to prevent the spread of the illness, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced his in-person State of the County Town Hall Forum series has been cancelled and he will host a live, countywide Coronavirus Informational Telephone Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 18th at 5:30pm. During the call, which will also be streamed live on the County’s Facebook page, County Executive Molinaro will provide a brief overview of the current Coronavirus situation in Dutchess County and will then answer questions from residents.
The Council of Industry and NAM need your input regarding Emergency COVID 19 Legislation
The Council of Industry is working in conjunction with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). We have another significant opportunity to provide more real-time information to White House, administration and congressional leaders. Please fill out this short, confidential survey of 3 questions about the rapidly moving emergency coronavirus legislation before noon today.
We have learned that the U.S. Senate plans on considering the emergency coronavirus bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives as early as tomorrow.
Take a few short moments to provide your feedback, so we can share manufacturers’ input tomorrow. Company-specific responses will be kept confidential and any anecdotes will not be used without your explicit written permission.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this request.
Here is information on the Bill
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NY Federal Reserve Empire Manufacturing Survey from March 2-10
Manufacturing firms in New York State reported that business activity declined. The general business conditions index fell thirty-four points to -21.5, its largest point drop on record, and its lowest level since 2009. Twenty percent of respondents reported that conditions had improved over the month, while 42 percent reported that conditions had worsened. The new orders index turned negative, falling thirty-one points to -9.3, indicating that orders fell. The shipments index moved down to -1.7, indicating that shipments were little changed. Delivery times were slightly longer and inventories were somewhat higher.
LABOR MARKET INDICATORS WEAKEN
The index for number of employees fell eight points to -1.5, indicating that employment levels were little changed over the month. The average workweek fell to -10.6, a sign that the average workweek was shorter. The prices paid index held steady at 24.5, suggesting that input prices increased at the same pace as last month, while the prices received index fell seven points to 10.1, pointing to a deceleration in selling price increases.
