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12.13.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: Statewide Mask Mandate Now in Effect

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Josh Veronica

December 13, 2021

Starting today, Governor Kathy Hochul is imposing a mask mandate for all indoor public settings in New York State. According to guidance from the New York Department of Health, an indoor public place is any indoor space that is not a private residence.

The mandate comes with one notable exception: venues that require proof of vaccination for entry do not have to require masks.  Since Hochul’s announcement on Friday 12/10, the state has released a list of frequently asked questions on this mandate, available here. 

Hochul said she will reassess the state’s COVID-19 status on January 15. However, businesses can expect this mandate to remain in place until then.  

Hochul is asking local health departments to enforce the mandate, and violations can be met with fines.   The policy mirrors a mandate issued by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz last month. 

The BNP remains in contact with our leaders and has urged them to hold off on restrictions that would hinder business hours/capacity and our regional economy.  

This Wednesday, December 15, the BNP will host a webisode with the Employer Services Corporation (ESC) on the details of the new mandate. The presentation will provide a higher level of clarity for the business community and the opportunity to ask specific questions on behalf of your business.

8/20 Webisode: Borrower Beware: Defending PPP Loans from After-the-Fact Gov’t Scrutiny

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | August 20, 2020

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a lifeline to many companies faced with the existential threat of an unknown pandemic.  But the prospect of “free money” by loan forgiveness comes with ever-evolving strings – including the possibility of an audit and scrutiny by federal agencies with the jurisdiction and political will to investigate borrowers’ eligibility and use of funds.

The new mandate was issued as part of an executive order by Governor Cuomo and allows people to test-out of quarantine.

7/23 Webisode: Contact Tracing – What Employers Need to Know

By jveronica@thepartnership.org | July 27, 2020

Employers know they play a critical role in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keeping Buffalo Niagara’s economy moving forward.
The new mandate was issued as part of an executive order by Governor Cuomo and allows people to test-out of quarantine.