Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order in response to the spread of COVID-19.
The 10-point NYS on PAUSE plan is as follows:
1) Effective at 8 PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed. The non-essential business shutdown does not apply to CDPA. Fiscal intermediaries and personal assistants are essential healthcare workers. For a complete list of other essential services, please refer to this guidance document.
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 the use of public transportation too 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.
For New Yorkers who are 70+ or at increased risk, "Matilda's Law" has been enacted:
New York has also enacted "Matilda’s Law" for New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems:
-Remain indoors
-Can go outside for solitary exercise
-Pre-screen all visitors by taking their temperature
-Wear a mask in the company of others (We know this is not possible for many, as there is a nationwide shortage of masks)
-Stay at least 6 feet from others
-Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary
Burd Home Health is continuing to monitor the news and the State's responses to COVID-19 and will provide updates regularly via this forum. Another great resource is the CDPANNYs channel and its COVID-19 resources page on their website.