EXECUTIVE ORDERS / EMERGENCY & UPDATED DECLARATIONS / REGULATIONS & BILLS LINK

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GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 7, 2020 Albany, NY



No. 202: Declaring a Disaster Emergency in the State of New York
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-202-declaring-disaster-emergency-state-new-york



No. 202
E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R
Declaring a Disaster Emergency in the State of New York



WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization designated the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern;


WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, United States Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency for the entire United States to aid the nation's healthcare community in responding to COVID-19;


WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and more are expected to continue; and


WHEREAS, New York State is addressing the threat that COVID-19 poses to the health and welfare of its residents and visitors.


NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York, hereby find, pursuant to Section 28 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, that a disaster is impending in New York State, for which the affected local governments are unable to respond adequately, and I do hereby declare a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York. This Executive Order shall be in effect until September 7, 2020; and


IN ADDITION, this declaration satisfies the requirements of 49 C.F.R. 390.23(a)(1)(A), which provides relief from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FM CSR). Such relief from the FM CSR is necessary to ensure that crews are available as needed.


FURTHER, pursuant to Section 29 of Article 2-B of the Executive Law, I direct the implementation of the State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and authorize all necessary State agencies to take appropriate action to assist local governments and individuals in containing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from this state disaster emergency, to protect state and local property, and to provide such other assistance as is necessary to protect public health, welfare, and safety.


IN ADDITION, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, I hereby temporarily suspend or modify, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through April 6, 2020 the following:

Section 112 of the State Finance Law, to the extent consistent with Article V, Section 1 of the State Constitution, and to the extent necessary to add additional work, sites, and time to State contracts or to award emergency contracts, including but not limited to emergency contracts or leases for relocation and support of State operations under Section 3 of the Public Buildings Law; or emergency contracts under Section 9 of the Public Buildings Law; or emergency contracts for professional services under Section 136- a of the State Finance Law; or emergency contracts for commodities, services, and technology under Section 163 of the State Finance Law; or design-build or best value contracts under and Part F of Chapter 60 of the Laws of 2015 and Part RRR of Chapter 59 of the Laws of 2017; or emergency contracts for purchases of commodities, services, and technology through any federal GSA schedules, federal 1122 programs, or other state, regional, local, multi-jurisdictional, or cooperative contract vehicles;


Section 163 of the State Finance Law and Article 4-C of the Economic Development Law, to the extent necessary to allow the purchase of necessary commodities, services, technology, and materials without following the standard notice and procurement processes;


Section 97-G of the State Finance Law, to the extent necessary to purchase food, supplies, services, and equipment or furnish or provide various centralized services, including but not limited to, building design and construction services to assist affected local governments, individuals, and other non-State entities in responding to and recovering from the disaster emergency;


Section 359-a, Section 2879, and 2879-a of the Public Authorities Law to the extent necessary to purchase necessary goods and services without following the standard procurement processes;


Sections 375, 385 and 401 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law to the extent that exemption for vehicles validly registered in other jurisdictions from vehicle registration, equipment and dimension requirements is necessary to assist in preparedness and response to the COVID-19 outbreak;


Sections 6521 and 6902 of the Education Law, to the extent necessary to permit unlicensed individuals, upon completion of training deemed adequate by the Commissioner of Health, to collect throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of being infected by COVID-19, for purposes of testing; and to the extent necessary to permit non-nursing staff, upon completion of training deemed adequate by the Commissioner of Health, to perform tasks, under the supervision of a nurse, otherwise limited to the scope of practice of a licensed or registered nurse;


Subdivision 6 of section 2510 and section 2511 of the Public Health Law, to the extent necessary to waive or revise eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, or premium contributions; modify covered health care services or the scope and level of such services set forth in contracts; increase subsidy payments to approved organizations, including the maximum dollar amount set forth in contracts; or provide extensions for required reports due by approved organizations in accordance with contracts;


Section 224-b and subdivision 4 of section 225 of the Public Health Law, to the extent necessary to permit the Commissioner of Health to promulgate emergency regulations and to amend the State Sanitary Code;
Subdivision 2 of section 2803 of the Public Health Law, to the extent necessary to permit the Commissioner to promulgate emergency regulations concerning the facilities licensed pursuant to Article 28 of the Public Health Law, including but not limited to the operation of general hospitals;

Subdivision 3 of section 273 of the Public Health Law and subdivisions 25 and 25-a of section 364-j of the Social Services Law, to the extent necessary to allow patients to receive prescribed drugs, without delay;


Section 400.9 and paragraph 7 of subdivision f of section 405.9 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit general hospitals and nursing homes licensed pursuant to Article 28 of the Public Health Law ("Article 28 facilities") that are treating patients during the disaster emergency to rapidly discharge, transfer, or receive such patients, as authorized by the Commissioner of Health, provided such facilities take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of such patients and residents, including safe transfer and discharge practices, and to comply with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (42 U.S.C. section 1395dd) and any associated regulations;


Section 400.11 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit Article 28 facilities receiving patients as a result of the disaster emergency to complete patient review instruments as soon as practicable;


Section 405 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to maintain the public health with respect to treatment or containment of individuals with or suspected to have COVID-19;

Subdivision d and u of section 800.3 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit emergency medical service personnel to provide community paramedicine, transportation to destinations other than hospitals or health care facilities, telemedicine to facilitate treatment of patients in place, and such other services as may be approved by the Commissioner of Health;


Paragraph 3 of subdivision f of section 505.14 of Title 18 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit nursing supervision visits for personal care services provided to individuals affected by the disaster emergency be made as soon as practicable;


Sections 8602 and 8603 of the Education Law, and section 58-1.5 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit individuals who meet the federal requirements for high complexity testing to perform testing for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in specimens collected from individuals suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection;


Subdivision 4 of section 6909 of the Public Health Law, subdivision 6 of section 6527 of the Education Law, and section 64.7 of Title 8 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit physicians and certified nurse practitioners to issue a non-patient specific regimen to nurses or any such other persons authorized by law or by this executive order to collect throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection, for purposes of testing, or to perform such other tasks as may be necessary to provide care for individuals diagnosed or suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection;


Section 596 of Title 14 of the NYCRR to the extent necessary to allow for rapid approval of the use of the telemental health services, including the requirements for in-person initial assessment prior to the delivery of telemental health services, limitations on who can deliver telemental health services, requirements for who must be present while telemental health services are delivered, and a recipient's right to refuse telemental health services;


Section 409-i of the Education Law, section 163-b of the State Finance Law with associated OGS guidance, and Executive Order No. 2 are suspended to the extent necessary to allow elementary and secondary schools to procure and use cleaning and maintenance products in schools; and sections 103 and 104-b of the General Municipal Law are suspended to the extent necessary to allow schools to do so without the usual advertising for bids and offers and compliance with existing procurement policies and procedures;


Article 7 of the Public Officers Law, section 41 of the General Construction Law, and section 3002 of the Public Health Law, to the extent necessary to permit the Public Health and Health Planning Council and the State Emergency Medical Services Council to meet and take such actions as authorized by law, as may be necessary to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, without meeting quorum requirements or permitting the public in-person access to meetings, provided that any such meetings must be webcast and means for effective public comment must be made available; and


FURTHER, I hereby temporarily modify, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through April 6, 2020, the following laws:

Section 24 of the Executive Law; Sections 104 and 346 of the Highway Law, Sections 1602, 1630, 1640, 1650, and 1660 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law; Section 14(16) of the Transportation Law; Sections 6-602 and 17-1706 of the Village Law; Section 20(32) of the General City Law; Section 91 of Second Class Cities Law; Section 19-107(ii) of the New York City Administrative Code; and Section 107.1 of Title 21 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations, to the extent necessary to provide the Governor with the authority to regulate traffic and the movement of vehicles on roads, highways, and streets.

G I V E N under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this seventh day of March in the year two thousand twenty.

BY THE GOVERNOR         

Secretary to the Governor

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GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 12, 2020
Albany, NY



No. 202.1: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-2021-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency



No. 202.1
E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R
CONTINUING TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND MODIFICATION OF LAWS RELATING TO THE DISASTER EMERGENCY



WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York;

WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and are expected to be continue; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of New York, do hereby continue Executive Order 202, dated March 7, 2020, and I hereby continue any suspension or modification of law made by Executive Order 202 for thirty days until April 11, 2020, except that such Executive Order is amended to read as follows:

FURTHER, pursuant to the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, I hereby temporarily suspend or modify, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through April 11, 2020 the following:


Suspension of laws and regulations to allow for expansion of services and temporary facilities for health and human service providers:

* Subdivisions (a) and (e) of section 401.3 and section 710.1 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow hospitals to make temporary changes to physical plant, bed capacities, and services provided, upon approval of the Commissioner of Health, in response to a surge in patient census;

* Parts 709 and 710 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow construction applications for temporary hospital locations and extensions to be approved by the Commissioner of Health without considering the recommendation of the health systems agency or the Public Health and Health Planning Council, and to take such further measures as may be necessary to expedite departmental reviews for such approval;

* Sections 34-2.6 and 58-1.7 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit clinical laboratories to operate temporary collecting stations to collect specimen from individuals suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection;

* Section 41.34 of the Mental Hygiene law and Part 620 and section 686.3 of Title 14 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow facilities certified pursuant to Article 16 of the Mental Hygiene law to increase and/or exceed certified capacity limits without following site selection procedures and/or without providing notification to the appropriate local governmental unit upon approval of the commissioner of OPWDD;

* Section 33.17 of the Mental Hygiene Law and associated regulations to the extent necessary to permit providers to utilize staff members in the most effective means possible to transport individuals receiving services from the Office of Mental Health or a program or provider under the jurisdiction of the Office of Mental Health during the emergency, provided such facilities take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of such individuals;

* Sections 29.11 and 29.15 Mental Hygiene Law and section 517 of Title 14 of the NYCRR to the extent necessary to permit mental health facilities licensed pursuant to Article 31 of the Mental Hygiene Law that are treating patients during the emergency to rapidly discharge, including conditionally discharge, transfer, or receive such patients, as authorized by the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, provided such facilities take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of such patients and residents, including safe transfer and discharge practices;

* Section 29.13 of the Mental Hygiene Law and associated regulations to the extent individuals in areas affected by the emergency are temporarily receiving services from different providers, whose immediate priority is to stabilize the individual, address acute symptoms, and provide supports including medication and stress relief, such that it is impossible to comply with development, assessment, scope and frequency, and documentation requirements for treatment plans;

* Sections 131, 132 and 349-a of the Social Services Law to the extent necessary to allow screenings to be conducted by telephone; 

* Sections 2510 and 2511 of the Public Health Law, to the extent necessary to waive or revise eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, or premium contributions; modify covered health care services or the scope and level of such services set forth in contracts; increase subsidy payments to approved organizations, including the maximum dollar amount set forth in contracts; or provide extensions for required reports due by approved organizations in accordance with contracts;

* Subdivision 4 of section 6909 of the Education Law, subdivision 6 of section 6527 of the Education Law, and section 64.7 of Title 8 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit physicians and certified nurse practitioners to issue a non-patient specific regimen to nurses or any such other persons authorized by law or by this executive order to collect throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection, for purposes of testing, or to perform such other tasks as may be necessary to provide care for individuals diagnosed or suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection;

* Section 400.9 and paragraph 7 of subdivision h of section 405.9 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit general hospitals and nursing homes licensed pursuant to Article 28 of the Public Health Law ("Article 28 facilities") that are treating patients during the disaster emergency to rapidly discharge, transfer, or receive such patients, as authorized by the Commissioner of Health, provided such facilities take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of such patients and residents, including safe transfer and discharge practices, and to comply with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (42 U.S.C. section 1395dd) and any associated regulations;

* Subdivision 3 of section 2801-a of the Public Health Law and section 600.1 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit the Commissioner of Health to approve the establishment of temporary hospital locations and extensions without following the standard approval processes and to take such further measures as may be necessary to expedite departmental reviews for such approval;

* Section 2999-cc of the Public Health Law and any regulatory provisions promulgated thereunder by the Department of Health, the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, to the extent necessary to allow additional telehealth provider categories and modalities, to permit other types of practitioners to deliver services within their scopes of practice and to authorize the use of certain technologies for the delivery of health care services to established patients, pursuant to such limitations as the commissioners of such agencies may determine appropriate;


Suspension of laws and regulations relating to child care to allow flexibility for providers while continuing to protect the health and safety of children:

* Sections 414.7, 416.7, 417.7, 418-1.7, 418-2.7, 414.8, 416.8, 417.8, 418-1.8, and 418-2.8 of Title 18 of the NYCRR insofar as that regulation sets the ages of children who can be served and the standards for care; Sections 414.13, 416.13, 417.13, 418-1.13, 418-2.13 of Title 18 of the NYCRR suspending requirements for staff qualifications; Section 390 of the Social Services law suspending provisions setting capacity limits for family and group family day care programs and standards for staff/child ratios in all child care modalities; Sections 390(3) and 390-a of the Social Services Law and regulations at 18 NYCRR Sections 413(g), 414.14, 415.13, 416.14, 417.14, 418-1.14, 418-2.14, allowing for the waiver of certain provisions establishing training  and inspection requirements for child day care; and Section 424-a of the Social Services Law insofar as allowing for the waiver of fees paid for statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment database check;

* Section 410-w of the Social Services Law and sections 404.1, 404.7, 415.2, 415.3, 415.6 of Title 18 of the NYCRR insofar as that statute and those regulations establish financial eligibility standards, the reimbursement requirements, and set timeliness requirements for the provision of services including payment for absences due to COVID-19 abatement processes;


Suspension of regulations to prevent delays in providing home delivered meals and in providing services under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) to older adults:

* Clause (d) of subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of section 6654.10 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, insofar as it requires an assessment be conducted prior to or within 10 days of the initiation of home delivered meals;
Subdivision (h) of section 6654.16 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, insofar as it requires an assessment be conducted within 10 working days after the completion of the screening intake and prior to the initiation of services under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP);

* Subdivision (n) of section 6654.16 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, to allow for a care plan to remain in effect for a period exceeding 12 months under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) when such care plan would otherwise expire during the period in which a disaster emergency is declared;

* Subdivision (x) of section 6654.16 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, modifying requirements for reassessments to be conducted every 12 months or within 5 days of becoming aware of a change in circumstance under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP)


Suspension of law to allow waiver of requirements necessary for apportionment of school aid:

* Section 3604(7) of the Education Law, to the extent consistent and necessary to allow the commissioner to disregard such reduction in the apportionment of public money due to a failure by a school to meet the instructional requirements proscribed within this section due to the properly executed declaration of a local state of emergency as defined within sub-section (i), a school is directed to close by a state or local health official or following a properly executed declaration of a state of emergency as defined within sub-section (i),
limited to the extent that those specified schools are unable to make up missed instructional days;
Suspension of laws and regulations relating to emergency procurement:

* Sections 553(22), 559, 1209, and 1265-a of the Public Authorities Law, and 21 NYCRR Part 1002, to the extent necessary to purchase necessary equipment, materials, supplies, or services, without following the standard procurement processes, including the standard prompt payment policy;


Suspensions of law relating to appearances by defendants:

* Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in section 182.30 of Article 182 of the Criminal Procedure Law, the court, in its discretion, may dispense with the personal appearance of the defendant, except an appearance at a hearing or trial, and conduct an electronic appearance in connection with a criminal action pending in any county in New York State, provided that the chief administrator of the courts has authorized the use of electronic appearance due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and the defendant, after consultation with counsel, consents on the record. Such consent shall be required at the commencement of each electronic appearance to such electronic appearance.


Suspension of law relating to waiting periods for unemployment insurance claimants whose claims arise directly out of COVID-19 outbreak:

* Subdivision 7 of Section 590 of the Labor Law, so far as it relates to the waiting period for unemployment insurance claimants whose claims for unemployment insurance arise directly out of closings of schools or other workplaces in which claimants were employed, or out of claimants’ isolation or quarantine in connection with COVID-19; and


Suspension of law allowing the attendance of meetings telephonically or other similar service:

* Article 7 of the Public Officers Law, to the extent necessary to permit any public body to meet and take such actions authorized by the law without permitting in public in-person access to meetings and authorizing such meetings to be held remotely by conference call or similar service, provided that the public has the ability to view or listen to such proceeding and that such meetings are recorded and later transcribed;


Suspension of law allowing residents of nursing homes to vote with modified visitor policies in place:

* Subdivision 8 of section 8-407 of the Election Law to allow individuals not employed by the Board of Elections to assist residents of nursing homes or adult care facilities in the completion of absentee ballot applications and voting;

IN ADDITION, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to issue any directive during a disaster emergency necessary to cope with the disaster, I hereby issue the following directives for the period from the date of Executive Order through April 11, 2020:

* Any guidance issued by the New York State Department of Health related to prevention and infection control of COVID-19 at nursing homes and adult care facilities, including but not limited to guidance on visitation, shall be effective immediately and shall supersede
any prior conflicting guidance issued by the New York State Department of Health and any guidance issued by any local board of health, any local department of health, or any other political subdivision of the State related to the same subject.

* Any large gathering or event for which attendance is anticipated to be in excess of five hundred people shall be cancelled or postponed for a minimum of thirty days.

* Any place of business or public accommodation, and any gathering or event for which attendance is anticipated to be fewer than five hundred people, shall operate at no greater than fifty percent occupancy, and no greater than fifty percent of seating capacity, for thirty days effective on Friday, March 13, 2020, except that any theater seating five hundred or more attendees for a live performance located in a city of one million or more shall not hold any further performances after 5pm on March 12, 2020.

* The two preceding directives shall not apply to a school, hospital, nursing home, other medical office or facility as determined by the Commissioner of Health, mass transit or mass transit facility, governmental facility, law enforcement facility, or retail establishments including grocery stores. The Commissioner of Health may allow for businesses that are not public gathering spaces to exceed five hundred persons if the occupancy is less than fifty percent capacity subject to public health review. 


G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany the twelfth day of March in the year two thousand twenty.

BY THE GOVERNOR         

Secretary to the Governor

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GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 14, 2020
Albany, NY



No. 202.2: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-2022-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency



No. 202.2
E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R
CONTINUING TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND MODIFICATION OF LAWS RELATING TO THE DISASTER EMERGENCY



WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York;

WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and are expected to be continue; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, I hereby temporarily suspend or modify, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through April 13, 2020 the following:


Suspension of laws and regulations:

* Section 8-400 of the Election Law is temporarily suspended and otherwise altered to provide that due to the prevalence and community spread of COVID-19, temporary illness for the purpose of this section shall include the potential for contraction of the COVID-19 virus for any election held on or before April 1, 2020;

* Solely for any election held on or before April 1, 2020, Section 8-400 of the Election Law is hereby further modified to allow for electronic application, with no requirement for in-person signature or appearance to be able to access an absentee ballot; and deadlines to apply for such ballot are hereby modified to no later than March 23, 2020 and such ballots once voted shall be postmarked no later than March 24, 2020 or may be delivered in person to any board of elections; and

* Article 6 of the Election Law is modified to the extent necessary to reduce required number of signatures on petitions pursuant to Section 6-136 of such law to 1.5% of the enrolled voters required, or 30% of the stated threshold, whichever is less. Further such provisions are modified to require that gathering of signatures shall be suspended effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 5 p.m.


IN ADDITION, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to issue any directive during a disaster emergency necessary to cope with the disaster, I hereby issue the following directives for the period from the date of Executive Order through April 13, 2020:

* Any school district which is closing pursuant to a local state of emergency declared as a result of the COVID-19 virus shall be required to first consult with local department of health and also exhaust any available time including snow days and vacation days. Additionally, the State Education Department shall promulgate guidance for districts to ensure access to meals for students in need, critical educational supports for students and distance learning options.


G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany the fourteenth day of March in the year two thousand twenty.

BY THE GOVERNOR         

Secretary to the Governor

[ipfd320]

GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 16, 2020
Albany, NY



No. 202.3: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-2023-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency



No. 202.3
E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R
CONTINUING TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND MODIFICATION OF LAWS RELATING TO THE DISASTER EMERGENCY



WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York;

WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and are expected to be continue;

WHEREAS, one state acting alone cannot control the continued spread of this disease and it requires coordination and cooperation amongst the states; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, or to issue any directive during a disaster emergency necessary to cope with the disaster, I hereby issue the following directives and suspensions and modifications for the period from the date of this Executive Order 202.3 through April 15, 2020:

* The directive requiring large gatherings and events to be cancelled or postponed if they had anticipated attendance in excess of 500 people by virtue of Executive Order 202.1 dated March 12, 2020, is hereby amended and modified to require that any large gathering or event (concert, conference, worship service, performance before a large audience, etc.) shall be cancelled or postponed if more than fifty persons are expected in attendance, at any location in New York State until further notice.

* Any restaurant or bar in the state of New York shall cease serving patrons food or beverage on-premises effective at 8 pm on March 16, 2020, and until further notice shall only serve food or beverage for off-premises consumption. Notwithstanding any provision of the alcohol and beverage control law, a retail on-premises licensee shall be authorized for the duration of this Executive Order to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption, which shall include either take-out or delivery, subject to reasonable limitations set by the State Liquor Authority.

* Any facility authorized to conduct video lottery gaming, or casino gaming shall cease operation effective at 8 pm on March 16, 2020, and until further notice. For a Class III Tribal Gaming enterprise or Class II Tribal Gaming enterprise, any facility should also close to the public until further notice.

* Any gym, fitness centers or classes, and movie theaters shall also cease operation effective at 8 pm on March 16, 2020 until further notice.

* No local government or political subdivision shall issue any local emergency order or declaration of emergency or disaster inconsistent with, conflicting with or superseding the foregoing directives, or any other executive order issued under Section 24 of the Executive Law and any local emergency order or any local administrative codes, charters, laws, rules or regulations, are hereby suspended with respect to any such order issued under such authority different or in conflict with Executive directives.


G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this sixteenth day of March in the year two thousand twenty.

BY THE GOVERNOR         

Secretary to the Governor

[ipfd320]

GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 16, 2020
Albany, NY



No. 202.4: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-2024-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency



No. 202.4
E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R
CONTINUING TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND MODIFICATION OF LAWS RELATING TO THE DISASTER EMERGENCY



WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York;

WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and are expected to be continue;

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to issue any directive during a disaster emergency necessary to cope with the disaster, I hereby issue the following directives for the period from the date of Executive Order through April 15, 2020:

* Any local government or political subdivision shall, effective March 17, 2020, allow non-essential personnel as determined by the local government, to be able to work from home or take leave without charging accruals, except for those personnel essential to the locality’s response to the COVID-19 emergency. Such non-essential personnel shall total no less than fifty-percent (50%) of the total number of employees across the entire workforce of such local government or political subdivision.

* Restrictions on reporting to work for any state worker whose service is non-essential, or not required to support the COVID-19 response, are expanded to all counties in the State of New York.

* Notwithstanding any prior directives, every school in the state of New York is hereby directed to close no later than Wednesday, March 18, 2020, for a period of two weeks, ending April 1, 2020. The state shall reassess at that time whether to extend such closure beyond this date and may continue to suspend the 180 day instructional requirement. The 180 day suspension will be adjusted to the state’s allowed closure directive. Schools that exceed the period will not be exempted from the 180-day rule. School districts shall develop a plan for alternative instructional options, distribution and availability of meals, and child care, with an emphasis on serving children of parents in the health care profession or first responders who are critical to the response effort. Such plans shall be submitted to the State Education Department and may be amended or modified by the State Education Department, in consultation with the Department of Health and Office of Children and Family Services at any time. School districts in Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester County and the City of New York must submit such plans for approval no later than midnight, March 17, 2020 to the State.

* Any village election to be held March 17, 2020 shall be postponed and any elected official holding such position shall remain in office until such time as a new election is held.


G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany the sixteenth day of March in the year two thousand twenty.

BY THE GOVERNOR         

Secretary to the Governor

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GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 12, 2020
Albany, NY



During Novel Coronavirus Briefing, Governor Cuomo Announces New Mass Gatherings Regulations
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/during-novel-coronavirus-briefing-governor-cuomo-announces-new-mass-gatherings-regulations




* Events with 500 or More Individuals in Attendance to Be Cancelled or Postponed

* Any Gathering Under 500 Individuals in Attendance Will Be Required to Cut Capacity by 50 Percent

* New Limits on Visitations to Nursing Homes - Only Medically Necessary Visits Will Be Allowed To Protect Most Vulnerable

* First Public Drive-Through Testing Facility on the East Coast, Located in New Rochelle, Will Start Testing Tomorrow

* Confirms 109 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State

* Bringing Statewide Total to 325 New Cases in 14 Counties



During a novel coronavirus briefing, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state will institute limits on mass gatherings, directing events with 500 or more individuals in attendance to be cancelled or postponed. Public health experts agree mass gatherings with people making sustained close contact are a place where the novel coronavirus can easily infect many people quickly and continue its spread. As such, events, gatherings, or places of business with less than 500 individuals in attendance will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent, with exceptions being made for spaces where individuals do not make sustained close contact, such as schools, hospitals, public buildings, mass transit, grocery stores and retail stores. These new regulations will go into effect Friday, March 13th at 5pm, with the exception of Broadway Theaters where the limits will go into effect this evening at 5pm.

In an effort to protect some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers, Governor Cuomo also announced only medically necessary visits will be allowed at nursing homes. This policy will be effective Friday at 5pm. The state is also asking nursing homes to set up skyping and other online communication capacity so families can tele-visit their loved ones. Additionally, the state will require health screenings for all nursing home workers each day when they enter a facility and require them to wear surgical masks to guard against any potential asymptomatic spread.

In order to increase testing capacity, the State is contracting with BioReference Laboratories to run an additional 5,000 tests per day on top of what the state is already doing. These additional 5,000 tests per day will come online next week. This additional testing capacity is on top of that of the 28 private labs the Governor announced are partnering with the state in the coming days and weeks. Additionally, the Governor announced the first public drive-through testing facility on the east coast will start testing people tomorrow in New Rochelle. Testing will be done by appointment only. New Rochelle residents who have been quarantined will be tested first.


Finally, the Governor confirmed 109 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 325 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 325 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:


Albany County: 1 (1 new)

Broome County: 1 (1 new)

Delaware County: 1 (1 new)

Dutchess County: 1 (1 new)

Herkimer County: 1 (1 new)

Monroe County: 1 (1 new)

Nassau County: 41 (13 new)

New York City: 95 (43 new)

Orange County: 1 (1 new)

Rockland County: 7 (1 new)

Saratoga County: 3 (1 new)

Suffolk County: 20 (14 new)

Ulster County: 4 (3 new)

Westchester County: 148 (27 new)


"The spread of this coronavirus is not going to stop on its own, and we know that mass gatherings have been hotspots for the virus to infect large numbers of people quickly," Governor Cuomo said. "To help contain it, we are instituting limits on large events as well as new measures to protect our most vulnerable populations — including people in nursing homes — and preparing our healthcare system to be able to deal with any future capacity issues. While the context is key and the anxiety is outpacing the facts of this situation, we will continue taking aggressive action to protect public health and prepare for any future spread of this virus." 

"Our number one priority is protecting the public health and every action the Governor and the State of New York have taken thus far have been in furtherance of that goal," State Health Department Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said. "Public health experts have been clear that limiting large public gatherings where there is potential for close contact is a critical way to slow the spread of this virus. This regulation will help keep people healthy and safe."

The Governor also announced that the State is taking measures to create a reserve workforce of health care professionals in the event of a staffing shortage and identify state facilities that can be used as temporary hospitals. The State is asking former doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to reconnect with their former employers and offer to work on an on-call basis in the cases of a staffing shortage. The State is also identifying National Guard medics for reserved staffing and contacting medical schools to identify possible reserve health care professionals. Additionally, the Department of Health is accelerating regulations to get more health care personnel trained so they can work in other areas.

For all schools in communities with the highest rates of positive cases, the state will be taking proactive steps to implement protocols that limit mass contact. Today the Governor announced SUNY Albany will cancel in person classes for the rest of the semester effective tomorrow after a positive case was confirmed today.

Additionally, any business that cannot accommodate rigorous cleaning standards should contact Empire State Development at (212) 803-3100 for a close order.


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640

Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

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GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 14, 2020
Albany, NY



Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order Temporarily Modifying Election Procedures to Reduce Spread of Coronavirus
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/amid-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-signs-executive-order-temporarily-modifying-election



* Reduces Number of Petition Signatures to 30% of the Statutory Threshold; Petition Period Will End at 5PM on Tuesday 3/17

* Extends Deadline to Apply to Vote Absentee for Queens Borough President special election on March 24



In an effort to keep New Yorkers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an executive order temporarily modifying election procedures to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The executive order suspends the candidate petitioning process — effective 5PM on Tuesday — for the June primaries for Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly and Judicial races.

The executive order also modifies the signature requirements for ballot access; candidates will only need to collect 30 percent of the statutory threshold. For Congress, candidates would need 375 signatures rather than 1,250. For State Senate, candidates would need 300 signatures rather than 1,000. For Assembly, candidates would only need 150 signatures rather than 500.

The executive order also modifies deadlines and procedures to better allow New Yorkers to vote absentee for the Queens Borough President special election on March 24. It extends the current deadline to register to vote absentee to March 23, the day before the special election. Absentee votes must be postmarked or delivered in person up until the day of the election on March 24. 

"Public health experts have been clear that one of the most common ways to communicate COVID-19 is through direct person to person contact, and we are doing everything in our immediate power to reduce unnecessary interactions," Governor Cuomo said. "This executive order modifies the election process in a way that both protects public health and ensures the democratic process remains healthy and strong regardless of the ongoing pandemic."


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640

Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

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GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 15, 2020
Albany, NY



Governor Cuomo Announces All New York City, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau Public Schools Will Close This Week to Limit Spread of COVID-19
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-all-new-york-city-westchester-suffolk-and-nassau-public-schools-will



* Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk to Close Beginning Monday, March 16

* NYC Must Have a Plan in Place within 24 Hours to Ensure Children Who Rely on School Meals Continue Getting Support and Parents - Especially Critical Healthcare Workers and First Responders - Have Access to Child Care

* Cuomo: "Any school closings need to be done with these contingencies in mind so that children are not harmed and our hospitals aren't understaffed - otherwise we cut off our nose to spite our face."




Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York City, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk schools will close this week in an effort to limit the spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Schools in Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk will close for two weeks beginning Monday, March 16.

New York City must develop a plan within the next 24 hours to ensure children who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs will continue to receive that support, and parents - especially critical healthcare workers and first responders - will be provided access to child care as needed. New York City schools will close early this week.

"Our goal is to slow the spread of the virus to a rate that the healthcare system can manage, and one of the ways to do that is to reduce density," Governor Cuomo said. "Closing the schools is a good idea but you have to anticipate and correct any unintended consequences - we have to ensure children who rely on free school meals continue to get them and that there's adequate child care, especially for healthcare workers and first responders who are parents of young children. We will close these schools but it needs to be done with these contingencies in mind so that children are not harmed and our hospitals aren't understaffed - otherwise we cut off our nose to spite our face."

The Governor also called on 1199 SEIU President George Gresham, New York State Nurses Association President Judy Sheridan Gonzalez, Greater New York Hospitals Association President Ken Raske and United Federation of Teachers President Mike Mulgrew to work together to ensure children who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs will continue to receive that support, and parents will be provided access to child care as needed, including temporary daycare centers. These centers would prioritize care for children of healthcare workers and first responders to ensure these school closures do not strain the hospital and emergency response systems.

Earlier today, the Governor tasked SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras with working with counties to develop contingency plans in preparation for school closings, including how to provide meals to food insecure children and ensuring families have adequate access to childcare.

The county executives from Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau joined a conference call with Governor Cuomo earlier today to discuss the closures and said the following: 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "Our county has been coordinating with the State to ensure an effective means of slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Cancelling group events and meetings, limiting access for non-essential social contacts and anticipating additional testing and healthcare needs are all part of our response in concert with the Governor and his administration. Closing schools-with adequate childcare and nutrition provisions-is the next step we will undertake this week. We deeply appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Cuomo."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, "Over the last several days we have worked with our state and local partners on the potential closure of schools as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continued to increase around the state. As part of our larger social distancing efforts, we came to the conclusion that closing schools is the right thing to do at this time. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership as we deal with this crisis as well as our school districts for their partnership and swift action to protect Suffolk families."

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said, "I thank Governor Cuomo for fully supporting our decision to close all public and private schools and for his unwavering commitment to ensure every child in Nassau County is fully taken care of while this crisis continues to unfold. We all agree that nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our children."


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640

Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

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GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 16, 2020
Albany, NY



During Coronavirus Briefing, Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Allowing State to Increase Hospital Capacity
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/during-coronavirus-briefing-governor-cuomo-issues-executive-order-allowing-state-increase



* State Will Organize National Guard, Building Unions and Private Developers to Identify Sites to Retrofit Existing Buildings and
      Convert Them to Medical Facilities - Goal of Creating 9,000 Additional Beds

* Directs Nonessential State Workforce Statewide to Work from Home Starting Tomorrow

* Directs Local Governments to Reduce Workforce by 50 Percent and Allow Nonessential Employees to Work from Home

* NYC, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester & Rockland must have childcare, educational services & meal programs in place by midnight and
      ultimately approved by State

* State to Open Drive-Through Mobile Testing Facility on Staten Island — the First in New York City - and in Rockland County

* NYS will waive all park fees in state, local and county parks



During a novel coronavirus briefing, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued an Executive Order allowing the state to increase hospital capacity to prepare the state's healthcare system to handle the potential influx of patients suffering from COVID-19.

The State will organize the National Guard and work with building unions and private developers to find existing facilities -- such as dormitories and former nursing homes -- that can most easily be converted to medical facilities, with the goal of creating an additional 9,000 beds. The Governor also asked local governments, especially those in the most impacted areas, to help identify available facilities for this purpose. The State Department of Health is also suspending regulations to allow existing hospitals to increase space and capacity.

The Governor has asked the Greater New York Hospital Association President Ken Raske and Northwell Health President Michael Dowling to lead a council to develop hospital surge capacity.   

"Our main priority right now is reducing the rate of spread of this virus so it can be managed by our healthcare system," Governor Cuomo said. "We have never fought a virus like this with this potential consequence, and I am taking executive action to reconfigure and increase capacity at hospitals across the state to ensure our healthcare facilities can handle a potentially massive surge of patients. We are fighting a war against this virus and the state will continue taking every step necessary to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of this virus."

The Governor directed nonessential state employees statewide to work from home starting tomorrow. The Governor also directed local governments to reduce their overall workforce by 50 percent and allow nonessential employees to work from home.



                   We are fighting a war against this virus and the state will continue taking every step necessary to prepare for and

                                                                              mitigate the impacts of this virus.

                                                                                 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo



Following the Governor's directive to close schools in Westchester, New York City, Nassau and Suffolk yesterday, Governor Cuomo said that the counties are required to submit their childcare and meal plans to the state for approval by midnight tonight. 

The Governor also announced New York State will waive all fees for state, local and county parks.

Additionally, the Governor authorized the State to open a drive-through mobile testing facility on Staten Island - the first drive-through facility in New York City - and in Rockland County. This follows the success of the New Rochelle mobile testing center, which opened March 13th. Drive-through mobile testing facilities help keep people who are sick or at risk of having contracted coronavirus out of healthcare facilities where they could infect other people. These facilities are a critical part of the Governor's nation-leading program to test thousands of people per day for COVID-19 by this week.

Congressman Max Rose said, "It's critical to expand testing in a manner that doesn't overwhelm our hospitals and healthcare providers. Drive-through testing is a proven way to do that and I thank the Governor working with us to make Staten Island be the first site in the city. This kind of decisive action is what our constituents expect from our leaders in a crisis and I will continue to work with the Governor to make sure New Yorkers have every resource available to them in order to beat the epidemic."

The Governor also strongly advised that only essential services and businesses - groceries, gas stations, pharmacies and medical facilities - stay open after 8 pm. Earlier today,  Governor Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced a regional approach to combating COVID-19 throughout the tri-state area, including uniform standards to limit crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people, and mandates that restaurants and bars temporarily suspend on premise service.


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640

Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

[ipfd320]

GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 16, 2020
Albany, NY



Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Delaying Village Elections Statewide Until April 28 Primary
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/amid-covid-19-pandemic-governor-cuomo-issues-executive-order-delaying-village-elections



In an effort to keep New Yorkers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued an executive order delaying village elections statewide until the April 28 primary election.

"Our top priority has been keeping New Yorkers safe and stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus," Governor Cuomo said. "Public health officials have been clear that reducing density is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread, and delaying village elections will help ensure poll workers and voters are not potentially exposed to the virus and at the same time maintain integrity in our election system."


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640

Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

[ipfd320]

GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 16, 2020
Albany, NY



Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order Closing Schools Statewide for Two Weeks
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-executive-order-closing-schools-statewide-two-weeks



* 180-Day Instructional Requirement Temporarily Waived 

* School Districts Required to Submit Plans to the State Including Addressing Childcare and Meal Program Contingencies



Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed an executive order directing all schools in New York to close by Wednesday, March 18 for two weeks ending April 1.

At that time, the state will reassess whether to extend the school closures further and continue to suspend the 180-day instructional requirement. Schools that exceed the closure period without state authorization will not be exempted from the 180-day rule.

This action will ensure consistency and uniformity across the state in instructional time for this extraordinary school year.

"The single most effective way to slow the spread of this virus is to reduce close contacts, and that includes in our schools," Governor Cuomo said. "I am directing the closure of all schools throughout the state for two weeks as we continue working aggressively to ramp up testing, isolate those who are sick and mitigate the impacts of this virus. Every district will be required to submit a plan to ensure children of healthcare workers and first responders have access to child care so these closures do not strain our hospitals and that children who depend on school meal programs continue getting the support they need."

School districts will be required to develop a plan for alternative instructional options, including distance learning; distribution and availability of meals; and daycare, with an emphasis on children of parents of first responders and healthcare workers. Those plans must be submitted to the State Education Department, who can amend or modify those plans in consultation with the State Department of Health and the Office of Children and Family Services at any time.

School districts in Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk and the City of New York must submit a plan from each respective municipality to the state for approval no later than midnight tonight.


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640

Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

[ipfd320]

GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 17, 2020
Albany, NY



Governor Cuomo Announces Three-Way Agreement with Legislature on Paid Sick Leave Bill to Provide Immediate Assistance for New Yorkers Impacted By COVID-19
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-three-way-agreement-legislature-paid-sick-leave-bill-provide-immediate



* Governor's Program Bill Guarantees Job Protection and Pay for New Yorkers Quarantined as a Result of Novel Coronavirus

* Legislation Also Adopts Comprehensive Paid Sick Leave Proposal First Advanced in Governor's Executive Budget

* Follows Governor's Announcement Last Week that the State Will Provide Two Weeks Paid Leave for Quarantined State Workers

* Drive-Through COVID-19 Mobile Testing Facility Opens Today in Nassau County - Follows Success of Similar Facility in New Rochelle

* State to Open Drive-Through Mobile Testing Facilities in Suffolk County, Rockland County and Staten Island

* State is Reaching out to Retired Nurses and Doctors to Supplement Medical Personnel at Hospitals - Part of Governor's Hospital
      Capacity 'Surge' Efforts

* Directs Greater NY Hospital Association and Healthcare Association of NYS to Work with 1199 SEIU to Develop Plan to Create Drop-In
      Child Care and Expand Child Care Facilities at Hospitals to Ensure Child Care for Hospital Workforce

* Confirms 432 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State

* Bringing Statewide Total to 1,374; New Cases in 18 Counties

* Cuomo: "This is an extraordinary time in this nation's history, and it will go down in the history books as one of those moments of
      true crisis and confusion. So my message to New Yorkers is this: Be a little bit more sensitive, understand the stress, understand
         the fear, be a little bit more loving, a little bit more compassionate, a little bit more comforting, a little bit more cooperative. We
            are going to get through it and we are going to get through it together."



Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a three-way agreement with the Legislature on a bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The program bill also includes the permanent comprehensive paid sick leave policy first advanced in the Governor's FY 2021 Executive Budget proposal.

This follows the Governor's announcement last week that the state will guarantee two full weeks of paid leave for all state workers who are subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus.

The Governor announced that the state's drive-through COVID-19 mobile testing facility opens today on Long Island. The Governor also authorized the State to open drive-through COVID-19 mobile testing facilities in Suffolk County, Rockland County and on Staten Island. This follows the success of the New Rochelle mobile testing center, which opened March 13th. Drive-through mobile testing facilities help keep people who are sick or at risk of having contracted coronavirus out of healthcare facilities where they could infect other people. These facilities are a critical part of the Governor's nation-leading program to test thousands of people per day for COVID-19 by this week.

The Governor also announced that the state is reaching out to qualified former doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to supplement the personnel at hospitals. The State Department of Health and the State Education Department have sent letters to retired health care professionals and all schools of nursing, public health and medicine encouraging qualified health care personnel to sign up for on-call work during the COVID-19 crisis. Healthcare professionals who wish to sign up can contact the State Department of Health at health.ny.gov/assistance.

Governor Cuomo also directed the Greater New York Hospital Association and the Healthcare Association of New York State to work with 1199 SEIU to develop a plan to create drop-in child care opportunities and expand child care facilities at their hospitals to ensure child care for hospital workforce. They will submit a joint plan to the state by Friday.



                                   The paid sick leave measure we've agreed to today expands those protections to all New Yorkers -

                                   because no New Yorker should lose their job or income for following a critical public health order.

                                                                                  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo



"The single most effective way to contain the spread of this virus is to ensure people who may have come into contact with it do not interact with others. Last week I said we would lead by example by guaranteeing two weeks' pay for state workers who have been quarantined as a result of covid-19," Governor Cuomo said. "The paid sick leave measure we've agreed to today expands those protections to all new Yorkers - because no New Yorker should lose their job or income for following a critical public health order. This is an extraordinary time in this nation's history, and it will go down in the history books as one of those moments of true crisis and confusion. So my message to New Yorkers is this: Be a little bit more sensitive, understand the stress, understand the fear, be a little bit more loving, a little bit more compassionate, a little bit more comforting, a little bit more cooperative. We are going to get through it and we are going to get through it together."

To address the immediate need of employees affected by COVID-19 who are subject to mandatory or precautionary orders of quarantine or isolation, the Governor's legislation will provide the following:

* Employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income less than $1 million will provide job protection for the duration of the quarantine order and guarantee their workers access to Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine including wage replacement for their salaries up to $150,000.

* Employers with 11-99 employees and employers with 10 or fewer employees and a net income greater than $1 million will provide at least 5 days of paid sick leave, job protection for the duration of the quarantine order, and guarantee their workers access to Paid Family Leave and disability benefits (short-term disability) for the period of quarantine including wage replacement for their salaries up to $150,000.

* Employers with 100 or more employees, as well as all public employers (regardless of number of employees), will provide at least 14 days of paid sick leave and guarantee job protection for the duration of the quarantine order.

The provisions of the quarantine legislation are set to take effect immediately upon passage, ensuring that New York workers will be able to take advantage of these benefits.


The legislation also includes the comprehensive paid sick leave proposal that was advanced by the Governor as part of his State of the State and FY 2021 Executive Budget, which will be effective 180 days after enactment. Specifically, the legislation provides:

* Employers with 4 or fewer employees and a net income less than $1 million will provide at least 5 days of unpaid sick leave each year.

* Employers with 5-99 employees and employers with 4 or fewer employees and a net income greater than $1 million will provide at least 5 days of paid sick leave each year.

* Employers with 100 or more employees will provide at least 7 days of paid sick leave each year.


Finally, the Governor confirmed 432 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 1,374 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 1,374 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:


New York City: 644 (187 new)

Westchester County: 380 (157 new)

Nassau County: 131 (24 new)

Suffolk County: 84 (21 new)

Albany County: 23 (11 new)

Rockland County: 22 (9 new)

Dutchess County: 16 (6 new)

Orange County: 15 (4 new)

Monroe County: 10 (1 new)

Saratoga County: 9 (4 new)

Ulster County: 8 (1 new)

Erie County: 7 (1 new)

Schenectady County: 5 (1 new)

Allegany County: 2

Greene County: 2

Onondaga County: 2 (1 new)

Putnam County: 2

Tompkins County: 2 (1 new)

Broome County: 1

Clinton County: 1 (1 new)

Delaware County: 1

Herkimer County: 1

Montgomery County: 1

Ontario County: 1

Rensselaer County: 1 (1 new)

Sullivan County: 1 (1 new)

Tioga County: 1

Wyoming County: 1


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640
Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

[ipfd320]

GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 17, 2020
Albany, NY



Governor Cuomo and Attorney General James Temporarily Suspend State Debt Collection in Response to Coronavirus
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-and-attorney-general-james-temporarily-suspend-state-debt-collection-response



* New Yorkers with Student, Medical, and Other State-Referred Debt Will Have Payments Frozen for At Least 30 Days



Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Attorney General Letitia James today announced that — effective immediately — the state will temporarily halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection, for at least a 30-day period, in response to growing financial impairments resulting from the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Countless New Yorkers have been impacted — directly or indirectly — by the spread of COVID-19, forcing them to forgo income and business. In an effort to support these workers and families and ease their financial burdens, the OAG will halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the OAG for collection from March 16, 2020 through April 15, 2020. After this 30-day period, the OAG will reassess the needs of state residents for a possible extension. Additionally, the OAG will accept applications for suspension of all other types of debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the OAG for collection.

"As the financial impact of this emerging crisis grows, we are doing everything we can to support the thousands of New Yorkers that are suffering due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," Governor Cuomo said. "This new action to temporarily suspend the collection of debt owed to the state will help mitigate the adverse financial impact of the outbreak on individuals, families, communities and businesses in New York State, as we continue to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus."

"In this time of crisis, my office will not add undue stress or saddle New Yorkers with unnecessary financial burden," said Attorney General James. "New Yorkers need to focus on keeping themselves safe and healthy from the coronavirus, and therefore can rest assured that state medical and student debt referred to my office will not be collected against them for at least 30 days. This is the time when New Yorkers need to rally around each other and pick each other up, which is why I am committed to doing everything in my power to support our state's residents."

The OAG collects certain debts owed to the State of New York via settlements and lawsuits brought on behalf of the State of New York and state agencies. A total of more than 165,000 matters currently fit the criteria for a suspension of state debt collection, including, but not limited to:

* Patients that owe medical debt due to the five state hospitals and the five state veterans' home;

* Students that owe student debt due to State University of New York campuses; and

* Individual debtors, sole-proprietors, small business owners, and certain homeowners that owe debt relating to oil spill cleanup and
      removal costs, property damage, and breach of contract, as well as other fees owed to state agencies.

The temporary policy will also automatically suspend the accrual of interest and collection of fees on all outstanding state medical and student debt referred to the OAG for collection, so New Yorkers are not penalized for taking advantage of this program.

New Yorkers with non-medical or non-student debt owed to the State of New York and referred to the OAG, may also apply to temporarily halt the collection of state debt. Individuals seeking to apply for this temporary relief can fill out an application online or visit the OAG's coronavirus website to learn more about the suspension of payments. If an individual is unable to fill out the online form, they can also call the OAG hotline at 1-800-771-7755 to learn more.


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640

Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov

[ipfd320]

GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 18, 2020
Albany, NY



No. 202.5: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-2025-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency



No. 202.5
E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R
CONTINUING TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND MODIFICATION OF LAWS RELATING TO THE DISASTER EMERGENCY


WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York;

WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and are expected to be continue;

WHEREAS, in order to facilitate the most timely and effective response to the COVID 19 emergency disaster,it is critical for New York State to be able to act quickly to gather, coordinate, and deploy goods, services, professionals, and volunteers of all kinds; and           

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, I hereby temporarily suspend or modify, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through April 17, 2020 the following:

* Sections 6512 through 6516, and 6524 of the Education Law and Part 6o of Title 8 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow
physicians licensed and in current good standing in any state in the United States to practice medicine in New York State without
civil or criminal penalty related to lack of licensure;

* Section 6502 of the Education Law and Part 59.8 of Title 8 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow physicians licensed and in
current good standing in New York State but not registered in New York State to practice in New York State without civil or criminaL penalty related to lack of registration;

* Sections 6512 through 6516, and 6905, 6906 and 6910 of the Education Law and Part 64 of Title 8 of the NYCRR, to the extent
necessary to allow registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse practitioners licensed and in current good standing in any
state in the United States to practice in New York State without civil or criminal penalty related to lack of licensure;

* Sections 6512 through 6516, and 6541 of the Education Law and Part 6o.8 of Title 8 of the NYCRR 8 NYCRR, to the extent necessary
to allow physician assistants licensed and in current good standing in any state in the United States to practice in New York State
without civil or criminal penalty related to lack of licensure;

* Section 400.12 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow patients affected by the disaster emergency to be transferred to receiving Article 28 facilities as authorized by the Commissioner of Health;

* Section 415.11 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit nursing homes receiving individuals affected by the
disaster emergency to perform comprehensive assessments of those residents temporarily evacuated to such nursing homes as
soon as practicable following admission or to forego such assessments for individuals returned to facilities from which they were evacuated;

* Subdivision b of section 415.15 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit nursing homes receiving individuals
affected by the disaster emergency to obtain physician approvals for admission as soon as practicable following admission or to
forego such approval for individuals returned to facilities from which they were evacuated;

* Subdivision i of section 415.26 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit nursing homes receiving individuals  affected by the disaster emergency to comply with admission procedures as soon as practicable following admission or to forego
such procedures for individuals returned to facilities from which they were evacuated;

* Paragraph 2 of subdivision g of section 763.4; paragraphs 7 and 8 of subdivision h of section 763.4; paragraph 2 of subdivision a of
section 766.5; and paragraph 1 of subdivision d of section 766.5 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit certified home health agencies, long term home health care programs, AIDS home care programs, and licensed home care services agencies serving individuals affected by the disaster emergency to conduct in-home supervision of home health aides and personal care aides as soon as practicable after the initial service visit, or to permit in-person and in-home supervision to
be conducted through indirect means, including by telephone or video communication;

* Subdivision a of section 763.5 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit initial patient visits for certified home health
agencies, long term home health care programs and AIDS home care programs serving individuals affected by the disaster emergency to be made within 48 hours of receipt and acceptance of a community referral or return home from institutional placement;

* Sections 403.3 and 403.5 if Title 10 of the NYCRR, to extend the time in which home care services entities must submit information
to the Home Care Worker Registry;

* Sections 358-4.3, 358-5.12 and 358-5.13 of Title 18 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow or require appearance by any
parties to a fair hearing by written, telephonic, video or other electronic means;

* Sections 2999-h and 2999-j of the Public Health Law, to the extent necessary to provide reimbursement to Medical Indemnity Fund
enrollees, in primary residences where a resident has had COVID-19 or was exposed to COVID-19, for costs related to cleaning and
disinfection of such primary residences, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Health;

* Section 2805-k of the Public Health Law and sections 405.4, 405.5, 405.9, 405.14, 405.19, and 405.22 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to
the extent necessary to allow staff with the necessary professional competency and who are privileged and credentialed to work in
a facility in compliance with such section of the Public Health Law and such sections of the NYCRR, or who are privileged and
credentialed to work in a facility in another state in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of that other state, to
practice in a facility in New York State;

* Part 405 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to adopt existing policies and procedures in a general hospital at a new,
temporary facility created for the purpose of treating patients during the COVID-19 outbreak;

* Any code related to construction, energy conservation, or other building code, and all state and local laws, ordinances, and
regulations relating to administration and enforcement of the foregoing, to the extent necessary to allow, upon approval by the
Commissioner of Health or the Commissioner of OPWDD, as applicable, the temporary changes to physical plant, bed capacities,
and services provided; the construction of temporary hospital locations and extensions; the increase in and/or exceeding of
certified capacitylimits; and the establishment of temporary hospital locations and extensions;

* Part 425 of Title 10 of the NYCRR and section 461-k of the Social Services Law, to the extent necessary to prevent transportation to and attendance at adult day care programs, until authorized by the Commissioner of Health;

* Section 16.17 of the Mental Hygiene Law to the extent necessary to permit the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities to
take emergency action to suspend or limit a provider’s operating certificate;

* Sections 633.12 and 636-1 of Title 14 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to temporarily deviate from an individual’s service plan,
which would otherwise outline participation in day programming and other community based served, and to the extent necessary to
temporarily relocate individuals, in order to maintain the health and safety of that individual during this emergency period and to
the extent necessary;

* Sections 33.02 and 33.05 of the Mental Hygiene law and sections 633.4, 636-1.4 and 633.16 of Title 14 of the NYCRR, to the extent
necessary to restrict visitors to facilities certified pursuant Article 16 of the Mental Hygiene law and to permit restrictions on
community outings for residents of such facilities to reduce the spread of COVID-19;

* Sections 633.8and 633.14 of Title 14 of the NYCRR to the extent necessary to permit abbreviated training of direct support
professionals employed in programs and facilities certified pursuant to Article 16 of the Mental Hygiene Law that are experiencing
staff shortages;

* Section 633.17 of Title 14 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit abbreviated medication administration training of direct
support professionals employed in programs or facilities certified pursuant to Article 16 of the Mental Hygiene Law;

* Section 390-b of the Social Services Law and regulations at sections 413.4 and 415.15 of Title 18 of the NYCRR insofar as that statute
and those regulations establish background check requirements for child day care;

* Section 390 of the Social Services Law insofar as that section of law exempts school age child care programs operated by a school or
entity with experience providing child care and located in a school providing elementary or secondary education from having to comply with the regulations of the office of children and family services;

* Subdivision 7 of section 590 and subdivision 2 of section 607 of the Labor Law, so far as they relate to waiting periods for unemployment insurance claimants whose claims for unemployment insurance arise due to closure of an employer for a reason related to COVID-19 or due to a mandatory order of a government entity duly authorized to issue such order to close such employer, as of March 12, 2020;

* Subdivision b of section 708 of the Business Corporation Law to the extent necessary to permit business corporations to take any
action otherwise permitted under that section with the electronic consent of the members of the board or committee, when such
consent is submitted via electronic mail along with information from which it can reasonably be determined that the transmission
was authorized by such member;

* Sections 65(13)(b) and 66(12)(f) of the Public Service Law to the extent of having in-person public hearings, provided that such
hearings are held by conference call or similar electronic means, which are recorded and later transcribed;

* Section 165(1) of the Public Service Law (“PSL”) to the extent of holding public statement hearings, provided that the public may file
written comments in any case subject to PSL Article 10 until issuance of a final order; and

* Section 123(1) of the Public Service Law (“PSL”) to the extent of holding a public hearing, provided that the public may file written
comments in any case subject to PSL Article VII until issuance of a final order.

IN ADDITION, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to issue  any directive during a disaster emergency necessary to cope with the disaster, I hereby issue the following directives for the period  from the date of Executive Order through April 17, 2020:

* Any village election set to be held March 18, 2020 shall be postponed and any elected official holding such position shall remain in
office until such time as a new election is held.

* Effective at 8 p.m. March 19, 2020, all indoor common portions of retail shopping malls with in excess of 100,000 square feet of retail
space available for lease shall close and cease access to the public. Any stores located within shopping malls, which have their own
external entrances open to the public, separate from the general mall entrance, may remain open, subject to the requirements of
Executive Order 202.3 that any restaurant shall limit itself to take out or delivery food services, and that any interior entrances to common areas of the mall remain closed and locked.

* Additionally, all places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including but not limited to, locations with amusement
rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, funplexes, theme parks,
bowling alleys, family and children’s attractions shall likewise be closed to the public at 8 p.m. on March 19.  This directive shall not apply to public parks and open recreation areas.

* Notwithstanding section 24 of the Executive Law, no locality or political subdivision shall issue any local emergency order or executive
order with respect to response of COVID-19 without the approval of the State Department of Health.


G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany the eighteenth day of March in the year two thousand twenty.

BY THE GOVERNOR

Secretary to the Governor

[ipfd320]

GOVERNOR
ANDREW M. CUOMO
MARCH 18, 2020
Albany, NY



Governor Cuomo Signs Bill to Guarantee Paid Leave for New Yorkers Under Mandatory or Precautionary Quarantine Due to COVID-19
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-signs-bill-guarantee-paid-leave-new-yorkers-under-mandatory-or-precautionary



View Photo of Governor Cuomo Signing the Bill Here
https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/thumbnails/image/GovernorCuomo_20200318.jpg



 "I just signed into law legislation to provide immediate relief to working New Yorkers whose lives are being turned upside down by COVID-19.

"No one should have to make the impossible choice between losing their job or providing for their family and going to work, especially during this pandemic. We seek to build upon this effort with guaranteed sick leave for all in this year's budget.

"In New York we stand with our workers in sickness and in health."


Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact Us by Phone:
Albany:  (518) 474 - 8418
New York City:  (212) 681 - 4640

Contact Us by E-Mail:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov