Governor Cuomo is urging all New Yorkers to stay at home as much as possible and to keep a safe distance of 6 feet from others in public spaces to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.
If you need to go out, please follow these guidelines:
Information for Employers on NYC's COVID-19 Testing Recommendations
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NYC entered Phase One of Restart NYC on Monday, June 8, 2020
In this phase, the following industries are now allowed to resume:
New York City Resources for Businesses Reopening – Phase 1
Other languages:
NYC entered Phase Two of Restart NYC on Monday, June 22, 2020
Businesses that may start or expand operations in Phase Two include offices, in-store retail, outdoor dining, hair salons and barbershops, real estate, commercial building management, retail rental, repair and cleaning, and vehicle sales, leases, and rentals. Learn what your business needs to know to prepare for reopening:
Additional information on Phase Two reopening guidelines can be found here.
NYC entered Phase Three of Restart NYC on Monday, July 6, 2020
Businesses that may start or expand operations in Phase Three include personal care services such as a tattoo and piercing parlor, appearance enhancement practice, massage therapy practice, spa, cosmetology salon, nail salon, tanning salon, or waxing salon. Indoor dining will no longer be available in Phase Three.
Learn what your business needs to know to prepare for reopening:
Information for Employers on NYC's COVID-19 Testing Recommendations
NYC entered Phase Four of Restart NYC on Monday, July 20, 2020
Businesses that may start or expand operations in Phase Four include higher education, Pre-K to grade 12 schools, low-risk indoor arts & entertainment, low-risk outdoor arts & entertainment, malls, media production, and professional sports competitions with no fans. Indoor dining started on September 30.
Learn what your business needs to know to prepare for reopening:
Additional information on Phase Four reopening guidelines can be found here.
If you own a business in one of these industries, you must affirm that you have read and understand the State-issued guidelines for your industry. If you are unclear about which phase your business is included in, you can use this tool to check.
To be clear, New York City is ONLY in Phase Four and businesses that are not part of Phases One, Two, Three, or Four industries are still required to follow the Governor's and Mayor's executive orders.
NYC Business and Restaurant Reopening Guides
Check out our NYC Business Reopening Guide and NYC Restaurant Reopening Guide to find out when and how you can safely reopen your non-essential business.
Indoor Dining in New York City
Restaurants and other food service establishments are allowed to reopen for indoor dining starting on February 12. For more detailed information, check out our NYC Restaurant Reopening Guide.
Please continue to watch for emails from us (sign up here) as more information will be shared in the coming weeks.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the Open Storefronts program on October 28, which allows storefront businesses to temporarily use a portion of the sidewalk directly in front of their business to promote open space, enhance social distancing, and help them rebound in these difficult economic times. Learn more and apply.
Download our outreach flyers and share with other businesses:
Have questions about reopening and other requirements related to COVID-19?
If you have any questions, you can call our hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
Guidelines for Reopening Your Business Webinars
Visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com and search for "Reopening Guidelines" to sign up for an upcoming webinar to learn about State requirements, recommendations, and resources available to help businesses reopen in NYC.
Download our Reopening Guidelines Webinars flyer and share with other businesses.
View and download a copy of the presentation here:
Informacion sobre la reapertura de negocios | إرشادات لإعادة فتح الشركات | ববসাসমহ পনরায় খালা সিকত িনেদিশকা | 复工指导方针企业 | 企業復工指導方針 | Directives pour la réouverture des entreprises | Enstriksyon pou Relouvri Biznis | 계사업재개지침 | Рекомендации по возобновлению работы предприятий
Representatives from NYC Departments of Small Business Services, Consumer & Worker Protection, Buildings, Environmental Protection, Fire, Sanitation, and Health joined together on June 12, to answer questions about reopening your Phase One business, including:
On July 10, we hosted a virtual Small Business Conversation for NYC small businesses in the personal care industry in collaboration with NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez and the New York Hispanic Cosmetology & Beauty Chamber of Commerce.
Reopening Flyers to Share
Download our outreach flyer and share with other businesses:
Additional Resources for Businesses
The following resources can help businesses meet the State's requirements to reopen:
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March 7, 2020: Governor Cuomo issued an executive order declaring a State disaster emergency for the State of New York.
This executive order was updated under New York State on PAUSE to mandate that all non-essential businesses cease in-office work and move to telecommuting and working from home. This executive order amendment also limits gatherings of any size. Guidance about essential and non-essential business types can be found here.
March 16-21, 2020: Bars and restaurants were limited to take out and delivery only, other businesses closed to the public.
March 18, 2020: Governor Cuomo signed emergency legislation guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
April 15, 2020: Face Covering Requirement
May 14, 2020: NYC Council passes several bills to aid small businesses
These bills were signed into law by Mayor de Blasio on May 26:
May 28, 2020: Governor Cuomo signed an executive order authorizing private businesses to deny entry to those who do not wear masks or face coverings.
You can learn more and watch Governor Cuomo sign the executive order here.
When adopting policies related to face coverings and social distancing, bars and restaurants must offer reasonable accommodations to customers with disabilities and should follow the guidance of the NYC Commission on Human Rights for Public Accommodations Protections.
June 18: Governor Cuomo amended Executive Order 202.43 (EO) to include updated guidance for food and beverage establishments effective immediately.
Under the amended Executive Order 202.43, businesses selling or serving alcohol to be consumed at the business or elsewhere must ensure that everyone within 100 feet of their business is:
Businesses that cannot follow these guidelines must stop selling alcohol until they can.
Violations could result in having a license suspended or revoked, with fines up to $10,000 per violation.
Patrons can also be fined for breaking open container or social distancing rules.
July 16: Governor Cuomo announces new regulations for bars and restaurants to ensure compliance with State social distancing and face covering orders
Governor Cuomo signed an executive order on July 16, imposing requirements and restrictions on the sale of alcohol at bars and restaurants whose liquor licenses require that they also make food available to patrons. All restaurants and bars statewide must only serve alcohol to people who are also ordering and eating food, and all service at bar tops must only be for seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet or separated by physical barriers.
Full Guidance from the State Liquor Authority
Additionally, as part of the "Three Strikes and You're Closed" initiative, any establishment that receives three violations will be shut down. Outdoor dining is for just that: outdoor dining. New York State does not approve outdoor bars where you set up tables for people to place drinks and then have a block party of 100 people mingling outside. Citizens can report violations to the NYS Liquor Authority.
For more information, view all of Governor Cuomo's executive orders here.
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What is considered an essential business?
Find the full, expanded list of essential businesses here.
If you think your business is essential but is not included here, you may apply for Essential Business Designation.
What are some general good practices for essential businesses?
Examples of Actions Stores Have Taken To Maintain Social Distancing
How can I disinfect my business if someone comes in and they appear to have symptoms?
Please note: The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection has declared facemasks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes temporarily in short supply to prevent stores from overcharging New Yorkers. The declaration makes it temporarily illegal to drastically increase prices. Stores found to be overcharging consumers will be issued a violation with a fine up to $500 per item. NYC DCWP encourages consumers who feel they were overcharged to file a complaint at nyc.gov/dcwp or by contacting 311.
Is there any guidance from the NYPD about how to protect myself and my business right now?
Think about burglary prevention.
If you receive a phone call, email, or text message instructing you to purchase a prepaid merchant gift/debit card, cryptocurrency, or money order to pay any of the following, just hang up – it's a scam!
Is there additional advice I can share with my staff?
No matter what your staffing needs are, we can help you hire the right employees at no cost. We can tap our pool of 100,000+ candidates to identify qualified individuals to meet your needs in industries such as food services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, transportation, and warehousing. Learn more and access our recruitment services at no cost here.
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What are some good practices for food businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores?
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What should I do if I feel sick or my employee feels sick?
Learn more: nyc.gov/coronavirus
What if someone on my staff tests positive for COVID-19?
Do I need to wear a face covering? Do my customers?
People who do not show symptoms may still be able to spread COVID-19. A face covering can help prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to other people, so you should wear one whenever you leave the home.
A face covering can include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including dust masks, scarves and bandanas. Do not use health care worker masks, as those must be preserved for people in the health care system.
Free Face Coverings for Small Businesses & Their Employees
The City of New York will distribute more than 4 million face coverings citywide to small businesses and their employees as we move toward reopening the local economy. To get these resources to you and your employees, the NYC Department of Small Business Services and NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection are working with business-serving partner organizations throughout the five boroughs.
Learn more and find a distribution partner located near you.
If you would like to purchase additional masks or other non-medical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the City has compiled a list of non-medical PPE manufacturers and suppliers. These companies are not endorsed by the City of New York.
New York City will also continue distributing face coverings in parks, DOE Grab & Go meal sites, NYCHA buildings, some Mitchell-Lama buildings, grocery stores, and during social distancing enforcement. Learn more at nyc.gov/facecoverings.
Even if you have a face covering, continue to stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with other people. For more information, read NYC Health's Face Covering FAQs.
When adopting policies related to face coverings and social distancing, bars and restaurants must offer reasonable accommodations to customers with disabilities and should follow the guidance of the NYC Commission on Human Rights for Public Accommodations Protections.
Is there any guidance or resources to help businesses and employees work from home?
The Mayor's Office of the Chief Technology Officer has created a toolkit to help businesses and individuals in NYC transition to working from home.
Having trouble receiving mail at your business?
Consider signing up for Informed Delivery by USPS, a free service that allows you to digitally preview your mail and manage your packages scheduled to arrive soon. You can also check here to see if there are any mail outages in your area. FAQs about mail service can be found here.
Was your business impacted by Open Streets?
Our Emergency Response Unit will work with you 1-on-1 to figure out the best way to get you the services you need, including making it easier to access deliveries - call (212) 618-8810.
We can also help you learn how to communicate any changes to your customers. View our full list of upcoming digital workshops to help you boost your marketing skills.
Download our outreach flyer here and help spread the word to other impacted businesses:
Learn how to recognize COVID-19 scams
Scammers often take advantage of vulnerable people during times of crisis and distress. It is important that you be aware of any potential scams in order to protect yourself and your money. The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection released guidance on how to recognize and prevent COVID-19 related scams: COVID-19 Scams and Safety Tips
Is it ok to lay off staff if there's no business coming in due to the virus?
Under the NYC Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law, employers with five or more employees who work more than 80 hours per calendar year in New York City must provide paid safe and sick leave to employees. Employers with fewer than five employees must provide unpaid safe and sick leave. Covered employees have the right to use safe and sick leave for the care and treatment of themselves or a family member. Employers and employees can visit nyc.gov/sbs or call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside NYC) for more information.
On March 18, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed emergency legislation guaranteeing job protection and pay for New Yorkers who have been quarantined as a result of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Read more here.
While we hope that you do not have to reduce the number of people you employ, there is a layoff process that must be followed. If your private sector business has 50 or more employees, the NYS Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires 90 days notice before a plant closing, mass layoff, relocation, or other covered reduction in work hours. Notice must also be given when there is a layoff that affects either 33 percent of the workforce (at least 25 workers) or 250 workers from a single employment site. Learn more about the WARN Act.
The Shared Work Program gives you an alternative to laying off workers during business downturns by allowing them to work a reduced work schedule and collect partial Unemployment Insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks. Instead of cutting staff, you can reduce the number of hours of all employees or just a certain group. Learn more about the Shared Work Program here.
You can also visit the NYS Department of Labor website to learn more.
More resources for staff are available at nyc.gov/covid19wf1.
What can I do to help decrease fear and discrimination related to novel coronavirus?
My staff and/or I are feeling stressed or harassed because of the potential outbreak. What can I do?
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I am worried about the financial impact of COVID-19. Are there any grants or loans available to help me?
If you would like to be updated about any new local, state or federal financial assistance programs that become available, please provide your information here.
Our NYC Business Solutions Center experts are available to help you identify additional financing available, including financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) or local philanthropic financing if you are a nonprofit.
We are offering webinars to help you learn about resources for small businesses in NYC impacted by COVID-19, including public and private funding opportunities.
View and download a copy of the presentation to learn about a range of assistance available for small businesses in NYC impacted by COVID-19, including funding opportunities, here:
On May 22, Governor Cuomo announced the New York Forward Loan Fund, a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE. The NYFLF targets the state's small businesses with 20 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees (90% of all businesses), nonprofits and small landlords that have seen a loss of rental income. The NYFLF is specifically timed to support businesses and organizations as they proceed to reopen and have upfront expenses to comply with guidelines (e.g., inventory, marketing, refitting for new social distancing guidelines) under the New York Forward Plan.
Pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund are now open. Priority will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. This is not a first-come, first-served loan program. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as regions and industries reopen.
On September 24, Empire State Development (ESD) announced that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) recipients are now eligible to receive low-interest loans from the New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF). This conditional change will provide the Fund's network of lenders and financial institutions with greater flexibility and enable them to provide more small businesses with working capital to cover expenses associated with reopening.
Learn more, including how to apply, here.
If you have any questions or need help with your application, request assistance here.
The Restaurant Revitalization Program (RRP) provides up to $30,000 to select restaurants to pay unemployed or under-employed workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This 6- to 12-week program helps restaurants that want to support their workers' financial well-being and help feed community members in need.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Financial Assistance Programs
We recommend that businesses interested in the PPP reach out to your business lender to understand any additional criteria they may require to qualify.
You should reach out to the SBA for guidance on how any other financial awards could impact your SBA award. If you have questions related to the SBA programs, find a local SBA resource partner.
Businesses can access free assistance to apply to the SBA loan products. We help businesses:
Learn more and request assistance here.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan program run by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The City is offering free resources to help you secure these important funds for your business. To learn more and get help, visit nyc.gov/ppp or call our hotline 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
The SBA released new guidance regarding forgiveness for the Paycheck Protection Program.
The new guidance includes a simplified process for loans under $50,000 and clarifies lender responsibilities around borrower calculations and documentation.
Tip: Ask your lender or accountant about depositing any SBA funding into a separate business banking account. They may recommend doing so, and using that account to only pay for eligible expenses outlined by the SBA, which include: payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, retirement benefits, and health insurance. Separating out your SBA funds from other sources of income may help you more easily prove compliance and enable forgiveness of these loans.
More information on the SBA's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources here.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
Have a business or non-profit connected to live performance? You might be able to get up to $10 million from the federal government under the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, and the City of New York has a free application assistance program to help. Curtains Up NYC offers free webinars and one-on-one counseling for people interested in applying for this grant.
Please note that scammers are targeting businesses with loan and grant fraud. Beware of phishing emails and robocalls, and doublecheck any web addresses to make sure that they are associated with the correct government agency. For more information and quick tips, follow the NYPD Crime Prevention Division on Twitter using handle @nypdcpd.
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WE Legal
WE NYC (Women Entrepreneurs NYC), an initiative based out of the NYC Department of Small Business Services dedicated to helping women start and grow their businesses, has partnered with Start Small Think Big and the COVID-19 Pro Bono Collaborative to help small businesses survive the economic impact of COVID-19.
This collaborative will provide remote legal consultations on COVID-19 related legal issues including but not limited to commercial lease assistance, insurance, loans, and employment law.
COVID-19 Small Business Remote Legal Clinic
Through its Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project (NELP), the City Bar Justice Center (CBJC)'s COVID-19 Small Business Remote Legal Clinic (the CV-19 Clinic) will offer pro bono legal consultations to help entrepreneurs in New York City determine the best path forward for their small businesses in these particularly challenging times.
New York City's entrepreneurs and small businesses who have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis can receive free, limited-scope legal advice. Topics include: loans & grants, contracts & force majeure clauses, employment law matters, real estate and commercial leasing issues, and insurance matters.
Attorney Interested in Volunteering?
If you are an attorney interested in volunteering with the CV-19 Clinic, please fill out a volunteer registration form. Please note that completing this form does not guarantee you will receive a pro bono assignment through the clinic – assignments will depend on the volume and type of requests received. Further, this form is to be completed by lawyers who are City Bar members or whose law firms are already confirmed participants in this program.
If your organization is interested in collaborating with CBJC and NELP on the CV-19 Clinic or other crisis response initiatives, please contact CBJC Pro Bono Counsel Kurt M. Denk at covidresponse@nycbar.org.
Small Business Legal Relief Alliance (SBLRA)
The Small Business Legal Relief Alliance (SBLRA) is a group of legal service organizations and 15+ top law firms providing free consultations with pro bono lawyers for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Alliance serves small businesses, nonprofits and self-employed individuals in practice areas including: loan & grant, tax, commercial lease, contracts, employment, insurance, and intellectual property, among others.
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I am concerned about paying my commercial lease. Is there anyone who can help?
Yes. If your business needs help with a commercial lease issue in New York City, you may be eligible for free legal services. Visit nyc.gov/commlease to learn more.
The Legal Aid Society – Commercial Assistance
The Legal Aid Society is providing pro-bono legal advice to businesses impacted by COVID-19. As businesses may experience lost income due to the current threat, The Legal Aid Society can review leases to determine what a business' rights and obligations are in case of disaster, negotiate payment plans for arrears, get business documents in order for loan applications, etc.
For assistance, small businesses should contact Legal Aid Society at either (212) 426-3002 or (212) 426-3004 or email The Legal Aid Society's Community Development Project at communitydevproject@legal-aid.org.
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What does my business interruption insurance cover?
Your business interruption insurance policy should list or describe the types of events it covers. Events that are not listed on, or not described in, the policy are typically not covered. It is important to review the policy exclusions, coverage limits, and applicable deductibles. You should also determine if the policy requires your business interruption to last for a certain time period before you are entitled to any policy benefits.
Business interruption coverage typically can only be triggered if you have property loss that leads to the business interruption. One example could be that a fire in your office has caused you to suspend your business activities.
Because coverage varies across policies, you will need to read your exact policy and consult your broker/insurer/agent for more information.
Is there a type of business insurance to cover cancellation of events due to COVID19?
You should call your insurance provider with questions about your specific plan and whether it covers event cancellations. You might also want to ask your insurance provider about loss of profits cover, "key person" insurance, whether your current levels of coverage are adequate, and whether any exclusions may be relevant.
New Yorkers with complaints about a business interruption insurance policy should contact: dfs.ny.gov/complaint.
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I have contracts with the City/State/Federal government, but I can't access my product due to travel and export restrictions. Now I'm concerned I won't be able to fulfill the contract on time or at all – what should I do?
First, review your contract carefully to be sure you understand your obligations. Consult an attorney, if needed, for help understanding contract terms. If you need legal assistance, visit nyc.gov/LegalAssistance.
Once you understand your obligations, and if your attorney agrees that it's advisable, communicate clearly and promptly with the contract manager about the cause of delay, and any contingency plans you are able to offer. Understanding the magnitude of the situation, your government client may be willing to negotiate an extension or other adjustment in terms, even if it is not contractually obligated to do so.
I am in the process of contracting with the City, but now I am not hearing back from anyone. What should I do?
Please be patient. Circumstances relating to the public health situation may have changed agencies' focus. We're all in this together, working to keep New York and New Yorkers safe. While you wait, be sure you don't miss deadlines to respond to requests for bids and solicitations. Also, consider how the goods or services you provide could help the City at this time and be ready if new opportunities come your way.
Are you facing challenges with your demand or supply of food?
Any business, nonprofit, school, government agency, religious organization, or community group located in New York City is eligible to donate or receive food through the donateNYC food portal.
Some City agencies have adjusted their operations during this time. See updates here.
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My company wants to help. How can I donate or sell supplies, food, or funds?
Get info for employers and employees, notice of employee rights, timekeeping tools, and more.
Get info for employers and employees, notice of employee rights, timekeeping tools, and more.
Get info for employers and employees, notice of employee rights, timekeeping tools, and more.
With COVID-19 still around, protect yourself from getting the flu and needing medical care.
With COVID-19 still around, protect yourself from getting the flu and needing medical care.
With COVID-19 still around, protect yourself from getting the flu and needing medical care.
The following are examples of actions grocery stores have taken to maintain social distancing. These are only examples, and are not requirements.