Skip to content

Back to Our Blog

3.3.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: NYS Updates

Blog Categories

Josh Veronica

March 3, 2021

Embattled NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo held his first COVID-19 briefing in over a week today. 

In addition to sharing the positive news that COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates continue to decline across the state, the Governor announced: 

  • He has reached an agreement with legislative leaders regarding repeal of his expanded powers related to COVID-19.  Several lawmakers of both parties have voiced concern that the agreement does not go far enough in curbing the Governor’s unilateral power.   
  • New Yorkers traveling domestically will no longer need to quarantine or test-out of quarantine within 90 days of full vaccination.  The existing quarantine guidance issued by CDC remains in place for international travelers.   
  • Beginning March 22, residential gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors.  On the same date, social gatherings will be limited to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors 
  • Beginning April 2, arts and entertainment venues around the state can operate at 33% capacity with up to 100 patrons indoors and 200 outdoors.  If admission is dependent on a negative COVID-19 test result, capacity can increase to 150 people indoors and 500 people outdoors. All venues are subject to ongoing social distance and face covering requirements. 
  • NYS will release the Empire Test app within the week for download.  The free app will allow New Yorkers to prove negative test results for admission to venues.   

 

*******

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is committed to providing employers with the latest information and resources to help you deal with COVID-19 and its impact on our community, state and nation. Visit our Events and Resource pages as they are updated regularly to provide you with the most current information.

Do you have specific questions related to running your business or your business unit?Visit the BNP Business Link, a question and answer forum for, and by, the Buffalo Niagara business community.  Submit your questions and get expert answers on just about any topic from legal, IT, HR, NYS regulations, sales, marketing, communications and more.  It is quick, confidential, powerful and convenient.

Related Posts

COVID-19 Bulletin: Tax Credits Available for COVID-Related Costs 

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | November 3, 2022

Small businesses can now apply for a new tax credit to help offset COVID-19 costs. The $250 million COVID-19 Capital Costs Tax Credit Program will cover up to 50% of eligible expenses, for a maximum benefit of $25,000.

With Canada lifting most travel restrictions, border communities breathe sigh of relief

By communications@thepartnership.org | September 27, 2022

BUFFALO, N.Y. (The Buffalo News) —Dottie Gallagher, president of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, said fears of random testing and possible quarantines in Ontario all worked to discourage significant aspects of the region’s integrated economy. She called the move “quite frankly, long overdue,” especially for those travelers discouraged to even try navigating requirements like ArriveCan.

Advocacy Alert

9.26.22 Advocacy Alert: Canada to Remove All Border Restrictions

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | September 26, 2022

The Public Health Agency of Canada announced it will lift all COVID-related restrictions on international travelers beginning this Saturday, October 1.

Comptroller: “Duplication” in State Workforce Efforts

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | June 2, 2022

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently released a report assessing the state Department of Labor’s workforce development efforts. The report found significant overlap, duplication, gaps, and fragmentation in state workforce development programs and services. The audit found that New York offers over 500 workforce development programs and services, administered