To help our clients navigate the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, Keane & Beane is providing numerous Legal Alerts on a variety of issues. The information contained in this Legal Alert is applicable as of today, March 18, 2020. Many situations are so fact specific and nuanced that this Legal Alert only addresses some of the more pressing ongoing issues. The discussion below is therefore general and does not address all considerations and specific analyses that may need to be undertaken prior to taking action.
On March 18, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he will be issuing an Executive Order mandating all non-essential businesses in New York State to implement work-from-home policies, with workforces reduced by at least 50%, which is expected to go into effect by Friday, March 20th. The Order is a further effort to contain the expansion of the COVID-19 outbreak. “Essential businesses” will be exempt from the Order. A full list of essential businesses is presently under review and will be included in the written Order. During his press conference, Governor Cuomo specifically mentioned food sales and deliveries, pharmacies, healthcare, shipping and supplies as “essential businesses”. However, this list will likely be expanded upon in the written Order.
We will update this Legal Alert after the new Executive Order is published.
Prior Keane & Beane Covid-19 Legal Alerts
Keane & Beane, P.C. has prepared several Legal Alerts concerning the State’s response to COVID-19 and the impacts on local governments. Our Legal Alerts are available at the links below:
- Executive Order 202.4 – COVID-19: Reduction in Workforce By Municipalities
- Open Meetings Law in Light of COVID-19
- COVID-19 Issues for Municipalities
- Updates From Governor’s March 16, 2020 Press Conference
Consult Counsel Regarding Specific Questions
Given the fluidity of this rapidly developing situation, we encourage you to reach out to a member of the Keane & Beane Public Sector Practice Group with questions regarding specific situations. We note that there are legislative developments in Congress and New York which impact each of these questions, and which we are closely monitoring. Because of the frequent developments, you should consult counsel regarding specific questions. For questions on employment and labor issues contact William Kang, Esq. or Lance H. Klein and on general municipal issues contact Nicholas M. Ward-Willis, Esq. or Drew Victoria Gamils, Esq. or any other attorney in our Public Law Sector Practice Group.
