COVID19 Update74
Cuomo: 5 Regions Ready for Phase Two Today, NYC Phase One June 8th
In Friday,s press conference Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that, based upon review of the data collected over the past two weeks, five regions may begin phase two today: Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier. New York City is on track to meet all of the metrics and they are expected to begin phase one on June 8th. This should bring about 400,000 employees back to work in construction, manufacturing, and retail.
The state has released guidance on businesses allowed to reopen in Phase two. Please note the Mid-Hudson Region is NOT yet approved to enter phase two, however, we are on track for next the end of next week. It is important to remember that these reopening depend on maintaining our diligence in preventing the spread of the virus. Manufactures have led the nation and the region by showing that we can work safely and productively. We must continue to do so.
More information on phase two industries and guidelines can be found here.
When laid-off Workers Decline Rehire Offers
Employees refusing offers to be rehired will not reduce the potential for loan forgiveness in the Paycheck Protection Program. Employers, however, will be required to report them to state unemployment offices.
House Passes Changes to Paycheck Protection Program
The House has passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, sponsored by Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Chip Roy (R-TX), among other provisions, it:
- Extends the time period in which PPP loan recipients must spend the proceeds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks, giving businesses more time to allocate dollars as necessary to combat the ongoing crisis;
- Grants enhanced flexibility in how PPP loan dollars can be allocated between payroll and nonpayroll expenses;
- Removes a reduced-headcount penalty for businesses facing workforce challenges; and
- Allows businesses participating in the PPP to benefit from payroll tax deferment.
The Senate is expected to take up similar legislation next week.
New York’s Job Losses Were Among the Nation’s Worst
For the Empire Center E.J. McMahon writes that all but a few states imposed business lockdowns and “stay at home” orders in April. However, New York’s private-sector job losses were well beyond the national norm—indicating the Empire State’s economic recovery could lag behind the rest of the country.
Read the Article that includes a roll-over map to see how other states compare.
How to Reassess Suppliers After the Pandemic
Checking with suppliers should be the first order of business for manufacturers preparing to return to full operations, writes Plante Moran partner Lou Longo. “Manufacturers need to be prepared for similar questions from their own suppliers, who will have concerns about their viability,”
Webinar: Dealing with Supply Chain Disruption – Strategies to help your firm manage risk and maintain operational flexibility in your supply chain.
Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 1:00pm – 2:30pm
No Cost for Members
The Council of Industry will host a webinar on Wednesday, June 10th Featuring Clarkson University’s Dr. Dennis Yu, Associate Professor of Operations & Information Systems and Associate Dean of Graduate Programs & Research, And John Mead, VP at Totalogistix.
We will discuss strategies to help your firm manage risk and maintain operational flexibility in your supply chain.
Dr. Yu will provide an overview including:
Definition of supply chain risks
How to assess supply chain vulnerability
Key strategies such as mitigation strategies and contingency planning to build a resilient supply chain.
John Mead will provide some real world examples of how his clients have dealt with critical these challenges and implemented these strategies. He will discuss Risk Mitigation by illustrating the qualities of a low risk model and a high risk model as it relates to:
Sourcing
Warehousing
Transportation
Providing case studies and examples for each.
NAM Leading on Liability Protection Advocacy
Earlier this week, the NAM brought together more than 150 companies and association partners, including the Council of Industry, for a coalition update on liability protections and advocacy resources available to advance this priority for manufacturers. As legislation moves forward in Washington and in state capitols, it’s vital we make sure our voices aren’t drowned out in this debate. Contact NAM Assistant Vice President of Advocacy Michael O’Brien to access NAM resources to help you easily take action.
A recording of the Liability Protections Advocacy Webinar from May 26 can be found here.
OSHA Issues Social Distancing Alert
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an alert listing steps employers can follow to implement social distancing in the workplace and to help protect workers from exposure to the coronavirus.
Safety measures employers can implement include:
- Isolate any worker who begins to exhibit symptoms until they can either go home or leave to seek medical care;
- Establish flexible worksites (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), if feasible;
- Stagger breaks and re-arrange seating in common break areas to maintain physical distance between workers;
- In workplaces where customers are present, mark six-foot distances with floor tape in areas where lines form, use drive-through windows or curbside pickup, and limit the number of customers allowed at one time;
- Move or reposition workstations to create more distance, and install plexiglass partitions; and
- Encourage workers to bring any safety and health concerns to the employer’s attention.
The new alert is available for download in English and Spanish.
