New York State on PAUSE Executive Order

There have been several important Executive Orders and other responses passed in the State of New York to combat the spread of the Corona COVID-19 (Corona) virus

On Friday, March 20, Governor Cuomo put into effect a 10-point policy plan titled New York State on PAUSE, designed to assure uniform safety to everyone in the state of New York.  The 10-point plan is the following:

1. Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
2. 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;
3. Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
4. When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
5. Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
6. Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
7. 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;
8. 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 the best interest of their health;
9. Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
10. Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes

New York State on PAUSE went into effect as of 8 o’clock pm on Sunday, March 22.  Further guidance has been issued by the Governor’s office as to what types of businesses and services are deemed “essential.”  That guidance can be viewed at this link: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-issues-guidance-essential-services-under-new-york-state-pause-executive-order

Not among the list of businesses ordered to close are houses or worship, but the Governor’s office strongly recommends that congregational services should not be held.  Business that are deemed essential or provide essential services should implement rules that maintain social distancing of at least six feet.

Finally, Governor Cuomo enacted new rules for people over the age of seventy and individuals with compromised immune systems.  This set of rules is called “Matilda’s Law,” named after the Governor’s mother and are as follows:

• 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.