COVID-19 Update: New York Requires Employers To Cut In-Person Workforce at Each Location by 75%

Pursuant to an Executive Order signed by Governor Cuomo, effective at 8 p.m. on March 20, 2020, all employers in New York State not deemed to be essential are required to reduce their in-person workforces by at least 75%. The restriction remains in effect until further notice.

Employers that provide essential services or functions are not subject to the restriction. This includes:

• essential health care operations, including research and laboratory services;
• essential infrastructure, including utilities, telecommunication, airports and transportation infrastructure;
• essential manufacturing, including food processing and pharmaceuticals;
• essential retail, including grocery stores and pharmacies;
• essential services including trash collection, mail and shipping services;
• news media;  
• banks and related financial institutions;
• providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations;
• construction;
• vendors of essential services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses; and
• vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support; child care; and services needed to ensure the continuing operations of government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public.

The restriction applies to both for- and not-for-profit entities.