IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Governor Cuomo has put NY State on PAUSE

What You Need to Know

Now in effect, 100% of the workforce must stay home, excluding essential services.

Everyone is required to maintain a 6-foot distance from others when necessary to be in public.

New York State on PAUSE: In New York we know that Policies Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone. The Governor’s 10-point NYS on PAUSE plan is as follows:

Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in their best interest;
Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.

All non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason are temporarily banned.

Department of Motor Vehicles offices are temporarily closed for in-office visits. Online transactions, including for license renewals, are still be available. License and permit expirations will be extended.

"Matilda’s Law" includes the following rules for vulnerable populations (New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems):

Remain indoors;
Can go outside for solitary exercise;
Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their temperature and seeing if person is exhibiting other flu-like symptoms;
Do not visit households with multiple people;
Wear a mask when in the company of others;
To the greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people should wear a mask;
Always stay at least six feet away from individuals; and
Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary.

All barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing salons, nail salons, hair removal services and related personal care services will be closed to the public effective Saturday, March 21 at 8:00PM.

Casinos, gyms, theaters, retail shopping malls, amusement parks and bowling alleys are closed until further notice. Bars and restaurants are closed, but takeout can be ordered during the period of closure.

Testing is free for all eligible New Yorkers as ordered by a health care provider.

Your local health department is your community contact for COVID-19 concerns.

Information & Resources For Business Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Washington County LDC is committed to providing you with information regarding resources available while COVID-19 is affecting our daily lives.

County business that remain open may be found at www.WashingtonCounty.fun and will be updated frequently. Please Contact Economic Development Director Laura Oswald loswald@washingtoncountyny.gov if you are a business and would like to be added to this directory. Information about other resources that may be able to assist your business during these challenging times may be found below.

Although the County Municipal Center is currently closed, we will make every effort to assist. Please contact me by email at dderway2@washingtoncountyny.gov

State Resources

Empire State Development - Guidance for NYS Businesses related to COVID-19

As New York State continually monitors and responds to developments related to COVID-19, Empire State Development (ESD) is providing up-to-date guidance for the agency’s partners and other stakeholders impacted by the virus. This is a rapidly changing situation and ESD will be updating the resources below to reflect the latest information available. ESD has created this detailed FAQ to answer immediate questions businesses may have regarding State regulations and general guidance related to the coronavirus. Submit your COVID-19 related business questions here.

New York State Department of Labor - Guidance for NYS Businesses related to COVID-19

The New York State Department of Labor website offers business services for employers related to job postings, unemployment insurance and more.
New 3/30 * NYSDOL Shared Work Program WEBSITE FAQ
Contact Kimberly Haviland, Business Service Representative or call (518) 743-0925 x8887

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE UPDATE
NYS is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.

If you are filing a new unemployment insurance claim, the day you should file is based on the first letter of your last name. If your last name starts with A – F, file your claim on Monday. For last names starting with G – N, file your claim Tuesday. For last names starting with O – Z, file your claim on Wednesday. If you missed your filing day, file your claim on Thursday or Friday. Filing later in the week will not delay your payments or affect the date of your claim, since all claims are effective on the Monday of the week in which they are filed.

Here is a step by step process to file a claim online.

New York Attorney General
COVID-19 Application for the Suspension of Debt Collection Activity

This application is for persons or businesses that owe (non-medical and non-student*) debts to the State of New York that have been referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection and litigation. Any such person or business, or their dependents, that have been financially impacted by COVID-19, or the international, national, and state responses designed to prevent its spread, may complete and submit this application to be considered for certain forms of relief, including relief from collection activity, interest accrual, and the assessment of collection fees. Click here for details.

New York Small Business Development Center

On-Line Request for Assistance

Federal Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources for Businesses Impacted By COVID-19

The U.S. Small Business Administration is working directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus.

For More information on the different SBA Coronavirus Relief Options (Click HERE)
* Low interest Loan Resources HERE - (Program information and links below)

~ Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) & FAQ Sheet: The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Click HERE for application.

~ Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Information and Application: The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Please click HERE for the most up to date information on the Paycheck Protection Program from the US Treasury.

SBA Loan Program Comparison Chart (Click HERE to Download - 4 Pages)

To Link to Resource Partners for Local Help Click HERE

U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Business Resources

Workforce Resources

New York State Department of Labor (NSDOL)

NYSDOL is waiving the 7-Day waiting period for Unemployment Insurance benefits for people who are out of work due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures or quarantines.

U.S. Department of Labor

Public Health Emergencies and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers