Important Dutchess County Business Updates For March 18, 2020

Dutchess Business Notification Network

Dear employer,

The above organizations have pooled their resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to create the Dutchess Business Notification Network, and to provide this communication to businesses and non-profits in the region. Your email address is part of a database that has been created for the express purpose of sharing important updates, guidelines, and information that we know you will need going forward.

We plan on sending similar emails on a regular basis, and we encourage you to share with employers you know. We are have created a special website where this information will be archived, as well as additional resources. Click here to visit www.dutchessbnn.com .

We encourage you to send us thoughts, ideas and best practices. We know there will also be many questions, and today’s answer may be different tomorrow. We will continue to provide these answers on a continuous basis.

If you do not wish to be included in future emails, you may unsubscribe at the bottom.

New for Wednesday, March 18, 2020

We have created a Facebook group to provide updates as we receive and verify them. To join the group, go HERE.

Today Governor Cuomo announced a mandatory statewide requirement that no business can have more than 50% of their workforce report to work outside of their home. Details of this will be put out when the Governor releases his comprehensive plan laying it out.

At 5:30PM today, County Executive Molinaro will host a Coronavirus Informational Telephone Town Hall. Dial 845-765-7121 to participate.

Governor Cuomo today announced a three-way agreement with the Legislature on a bill guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The program bill also includes the permanent comprehensive paid sick leave policy first advanced in the Governor's FY 2021 Executive Budget proposal.

The Business Council has set up a page on their website where they continually upload the newest information and resources businesses can use during these unprecedented circumstances. Additionally their HR Hotline remains open in this complex time. (1-800-332-2117)

The New York State Department of Labor has just released a new schedule for individuals filing new Unemployment Insurance Claim by phone or web. As a reminder the 7 day waiting period has been waived. For details on the schedule click HERE.

Dutchess County business are eligible to apply for SBA disaster loans through the Connecticut disaster declaration until New York has filed. All sole proprietors must select the Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Option, in order to proceed with applying for the EIDLs for the Coronavirus situation from the SBA. If you select the wrong option, you do not have to re-register but you will need to start the application again.

Dutchess Tourism has created a page to house consumer updates online so you can get the most up-to-date information on who is open or operating at adjusted measures. This includes a PDF listing restaurants open for delivery or pickup services. You can view the page HERE.

Beginning today, all of Adams Fairacre Farms stores will open earlier in order to serve customers age 60 and older from 7AM – 8AM daily.

Price Chopper/Market 32 will now open exclusively to seniors from 6AM to 7AM In addition, all stores are shortening hours again – from 7AM to 10PM starting today.