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COVID 19 Update 65

Post: May. 20, 2020

Seventh Region Ready for Phase One Reopening

The Capital Region has now met the seven public health metrics needed to begin phase one of reopening. The Capital region will able to reopen starting tomorrow, May, 19. The Long Island region has met five of the seven metrics, the Mid-Hudson region has met four of seven, and the New York City region has met three of seven. All other regions are authorized to begin phase one of reopening. 

While the Mid Hudson Region has slipped back – progress has been made in the metrics and there are hopeful signs. 

Read the Press Release

The state’s regional monitoring dashboard is available here.


Powell, Mnuchin Outline Contrasting Perils Facing Economy

The nation’s top two economic policy leaders offered contrasting visions about the economic outlook, with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin favoring a wait-and-see approach to more federal aid and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell suggesting more would be needed.

Mr. Mnuchin reflected the Trump administration’s belief that the biggest danger to the economy is waiting too long to restart activity after two months in which millions of Americans have sheltered in their homes to slow the spread of infections. Mr. Powell, meanwhile, challenged the premise that there is a trade-off between economic growth and protecting the public’s health. Fear of coronavirus infection is the economy’s biggest hurdle, he said, and the recovery will be held back until Americans believe it’s safe to resume commercial activities involving person-to-person contact.

Read More at the WSJ (subscription) 


NAM  Webinar: Understanding Product Development, Product Donations and the Responsibilities of the FDA and other Federal Agencies—

Thursday, May 21, at 11 a.m. ET

Speakers:

  • David Rosen, FDA Practice Group Leader, Foley & Lardner
  • Greg Higgins, Senior Counsel, Volvo Group North America
  • Dave Rousse, President, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
  • Moderator: Robyn Boerstling, Vice President for Infrastructure, Innovation and Human Resources Policy, NAM
  • Special Guest: Jay Timmons, President & CEO, NAM

Understanding Product Development, Product Donations and the Responsibilities of the FDA and other Federal Agencies—Perspectives from a Manufacturer, a Lawyer and a Trade Association will be the first webinar event in a multipart series.

This webinar will help shed light on the workings of the FDA, a highly specialized agency and other federal agencies such as the EPA and what you need to know if you have supported or are considering support of the COVID-19 response.

Please RSVP now to receive registration details.


Skilled Workers Remain a Critical Issue for Manufacturers 

The American Workforce Policy Advisory Board met for the first time since the previously scheduled meeting in March was canceled. They discussed the ever-increasing importance of access to skills training, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Manufacturers emphasized that to ensure a strong economic recovery, incentives for workforce development and skills training are more important than ever. Programs that focus on earn-and-learn models, or apprenticeships, should be prioritized, as well as partnerships between companies and local educational institutions so that we have the skilled workers ready to operate in new environments and to fill new jobs created by shifts in supply chains. NAM CEO Jay Timmons shared specific policy recommendations from the “American Renewal Action Plan,” which you can find here.

Timmons also appeared on CNBC, where he spoke about the importance of skilled workers, and the continued skills gap, as well as how we spur additional manufacturing growth.

You can watch the segment here.


Testing: Phase One Industry Sector Employees in Manufacturing and Construction are Eligible to Be Tested

As we noted in Monday’s post the Governor over the weekend encouraged all eligible New Yorkers to get tested, saying this is one of the keys to reopening successfully and he took a test during the press conference.  

He expanded the eligibility to all workers returning in phase one including construction and manufacturing workers. He announced a new test finder search tool is now available on the state website. 

Subsequent visits to the eligibility tool have not shown any questions related to phase one worker, however that should change this week. 

Visit the test search site


The Council of Industry Partners with HRP Associates to Assist our Members with Planning and Response to COVID-19 Challenges.

HRP understands that employees at Council member firms that are both currently working, and those who will be returning to work, want to be assured that COVID-19 is being effectively managed in their workplace. HRP offers comprehensive services including planning, training, management, and responding to COVID-19 to help employers address these concerns. 

Click here for more information


Webinar: Direct Energy’s Hudson Valley Energy Market Update

Thursday, May 28, 2020, 8:00 am – 9:00 am, No Cost for Members

Join the Council of Industry and Direct Energy Business for a quick update on New York’s natural gas and electric markets. It’s important information that could keep your firm’s energy strategy ahead of market trends and changes. Following this presentation, take the opportunity to ask our energy professional your questions.

Tim Bigler
Senior Market Strategist, Direct Energy Business
Tim has more than 30 years of experience in the natural gas, electric and oil markets. His current role is Senior Market Strategist on our Natural Gas Operations team, and he is the author of most customer market update materials.

To register click here