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COVID 19 Update 73

Post: May. 28, 2020

The Governor Has Released Executive Order 202.34 Allowing Businesses to Deny Entry or Service to Individuals Not Wearing Face Coverings

Through June 27, 2020, the Order allows any business operator or owner the discretion to enforce a previous directive which requires any individual over age two, and able to medically tolerate a face-covering, be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face-covering when in a public place, including the right to deny entry to those not wearing a mask. It also does not prohibit or limit the right of State and local enforcement authorities from imposing fines or other penalties for any violation of the directive.

 The Governor did not make any comments on the question which is on many minds, namely will any region move into Phase 2 Friday? the 29th will mark two weeks from when the first regions entered Phase 1. This does not mean they will not still qualify and begin entering Phase 2 tomorrow, but that has not been confirmed by the Governor. 

Empire State Development (ESD) has released guidelines for the Commercial Building Management industry. ESD is continuing to release guidelines for phase two businesses and we will update you as new information becomes available.

Read the press release

See Phase 2 Guidelines to date


The CDC Releases New Resource with Tools and Strategies for Offices to Reopen

The resource is intended to supplement the regularly updated CDC guidance for businesses and employers. For manufacturing settings, it is vital to continue following the CDC and OSHA’s interim guidance for manufacturing workers and employers

You can find information for cleaning and disinfecting workplaces here, along with printable resources. You can also refer to the Manufacturing Leadership Council’s “New Operational Practices to Consider in the Time of COVID-19” for ways manufacturers are meeting and exceeding NYS, CDC and OSHA guidelines.

We urge Hudson Valley manufacturers to take all CDC-issued guidance seriously and to implement the strategies presented. These strategies represent the best science and thinking around protecting the workforce and the public from COVID-19. It is important for the strength of the manufacturing sector, the renewal of the economy and the return to school for our future workforce that we all maintain workplace and community protective measures. Manufactures have set the example nationwide.  We need to continue to do so – especially as some restrictions are lifted around the country. 


Survey: Manufacturers Face Challenge but Continued Operations

Despite a historic drop in optimism—to 33.9% from last quarter’s 75.6%—and challenging business conditions, the vast majority (98.7%) of manufacturers have continued or only temporarily halted operations according to the Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey for the second quarter of 2020.

The survey also shows that manufacturers are finding innovative solutions to keep businesses running and to protect workers and communities:

  • Almost 22% are retooling to produce personal protective equipment
  • 67% are reengineering processes to reflect COVID-19 safety protocols
  • 12% are completely reevaluating the mission of the firm

See the survey results


Durable-Goods Orders Plunge Again

The Commerce Department said Thursday that orders for durable goods dropped 17.2% last month after falling 16.6% in March. Excluding orders for transportation equipment, which can be volatile from month to month, durable goods orders fell 7.4%.

New orders for cars, trucks and auto parts shrank 52.8%. 

A category that tracks business investment — orders for nondefense capital goods excluding aircraft — decreased 5.8% after falling 1.1% in March.

Read more from The Associated Press


Employment Discrimination Laws and COVID-19: A Webinar with the EEOC

CI Members are invited to join the NAM Wednesday, June 3rd at 11:00 am EST for a presentation from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on what manufacturers need to know about discrimination laws during the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew Maunz, Legal Counsel of the EEOC, will discuss what employment policies businesses need to consider as they are navigating the pandemic.

Mr. Maunz will provide an overview of the information the Commission has issued since the COVID-19 pandemic began. There will be a Q and A session at the end of the program.

Register here


Fed: Workers Reluctant to Return to Jobs

Mass unemployment that has accompanied the coronavirus pandemic has been compounded by people who don’t want to come back to work, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday in its periodic summary of the national economy. With the unemployment rate through April at a post-World War II record 14.7% and 20.5 million layoffs during the month, workers are reluctant to head back to their jobs for a number of reasons, the central bank noted in its “Beige Book” report.

Business leaders “cited challenges in bringing employees back to work, including workers’ health concerns, limited access to childcare, and generous unemployment insurance benefits,” the report said

Read more at CNBC 


8 Views: Pandemic Gives HR leaders a Different Perspective

HR leaders say the pandemic has sharpened their focus on compassion, collaboration, company values and personal connections.

“This experience is bringing your whole self to work on steroids,” said Christy Lake. “Suddenly, our work, family, school, and social lives are all happening in a single space, and employees are juggling those often conflicting responsibilities. Before, the focus for managers and leaders was on how to create a work environment that felt safe for everyone to be themselves. Now, we’re literally seeing into employees’ homes and lives in a direct, intimate way. This means managers are truly responsible for the whole human, not just the employee.” 

Read more at Forbes 


Webinar: Your Place, Your People, Your Plan

Our Friend and Associate Member HRP Associates are presenting a webinar to share insight from their leading EHS Consultant and a Risk Management and Insurance Broker. As businesses bring back their employees – this webinar will address health and safety best practices and resources, as well as Compliance, Human Resources and Culture issues to consider.

June 4, 2020, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (EST)

Register Here