Tuesday May 18, 2021
NYS to Adopt New CDC Guidance on Mask Use & Social Distancing for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
Beginning May 19, New York State will adopt the CDC's "Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" for most business and public settings. Consistent with the CDC guidance, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings will continue to follow State's existing COVID-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. 
 
To implement the CDC's guidance, New York State will be revising the following reopening guidelines to take effect on May 19:
 
Business Mask Rules 
Given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks and over 52 percent of New Yorkers over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated, the State will authorize businesses to continue to require masks for all in their establishments, consistent with the CDC guidance. In most settings, vaccinated individuals will not be required to wear a mask. Unvaccinated individuals, under both CDC and state guidance must wear masks in all public settings. 
 
The Department of Health strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown. Mask requirements by businesses must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
 
This recommendation will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings.
 
Business Capacity Rules 
As previously announced, most business capacities — which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy — will be removed on May 19. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet.
 
However, given that the CDC has advised that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to maintain social distance, businesses may eliminate the 6 feet of required social distancing, and therefore increase capacity, only if all patrons within the establishment -- or a separate designated part of the establishment -- present proof of full vaccination status. Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass.
 
For areas where vaccination status of individuals is unknown and for patrons who do not present proof of full vaccination status, the required social distance of 6 feet still applies until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated. This change will apply across all commercial settings, except the exempt settings outlined by the CDC.
 
Small- and Large-Scale Event Rules 
Small-scale events will be able to apply the revised business mask and capacity rules. Specifically, for events below the State's social gathering limit of 250 indoors or 500 outdoors, event venues will be able to require masks for all patrons -- and DOH strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status is unknown -- and social distancing of 6 feet will be required between parties of attendees, unless all attendees present proof of full vaccination status. Unvaccinated people should still wear masks.
 
For large-scale events that exceed the State's social gathering limits, event venues will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required distance, as follows:
  • Unvaccinated attendees and attendees who have an unknown vaccination status must be spaced 6 feet apart in assigned sections. Masks will be required in indoor event settings, except while seated and eating or drinking.
  • Fully vaccinated attendees may be spaced directly next to one another at 100 percent capacity instead of 6 feet apart in assigned sections that are designated solely for fully vaccinated individuals. Masks are optional. Venues must verify vaccination status to take advantage of reduced social distancing requirements.
  • Children under the age of 12 who are not yet vaccine eligible, and under the age of 16 who have not yet been able to be vaccinated, may accompany and be seated with a vaccinated adult in a fully vaccinated section.
  • Proof of full vaccination status can be provided by attendees through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass.

For large-scale events, proof of recent negative COVID-19 test result for attendees who are over the age of four remains required for unvaccinated attendees in indoor event settings above the State's social gathering limit but will become optional in outdoor event settings.
 
Today's announcement builds on Governor Cuomo's recent measures to further reopen the economy given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As of yesterday, 62 percent of New York's adults had received at least one vaccine dose and 52 percent had completed their vaccine series. 
 
Additional details on the State's New York Forward reopening guidance updates will be available here.
NYS Announces Additional Guidance for County Fairs and Local Festivals
Additional guidance for county fairs and local festivals throughout New York. Local governments must permit county fairs and local festivals and consider COVID-19 health guidelines this year. State Department of Health approval will be required for events with over 5,000 expected attendees, consistent with existing review process. County fairs and local festivals must ensure that the total number of attendees is limited so that six feet of distance can be maintained between individuals who are not members of the same party, unless all attendees present proof of full vaccination status. Fairs and festivals may require masks for all attendees, and per CDC guidance masks are required for unvaccinated attendees in certain settings, and indoors where vaccination status is unknown.

The State's industry-specific guidance must be followed for the applicable activities and attractions present at any fair or festival, such as amusement and family entertainment, food and beverage service, performing arts and entertainment. The applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, such as "Guidance for Organizing Large Events and Gatherings," should also be consulted, as appropriate.  
Recent Webinar Explains What Marijuana in the Workplace Means
The North Country Chamber of Commerce held a webinar with Jacqueline Kelleher, an attorney with the firm Stafford Owens, to discuss the recent legalization of marijuana and what it means for employers.
“I think the biggest thing that is important to be able to admit to ourselves is marijuana is now as legal as alcohol, pornography, smoking cigarettes, I mean people are allowed to do it,” Kelleher said in her opening remarks.

As far as the legality of marijuana goes, it’s not completely legal. You must be 21 years or older, and even then marijuana must be used outside of the user’s work hours, off the employer's premises, and without the use of any of the employer’s equipment or other property.

This means that even though marijuana is legal in New York, it’s not legal on the federal level. Employers with federal contracts or employees in safety positions such as bus drivers can still be drug tested for marijuana.


She went on to say that if supervisors and managers can recognize specific and articulable symptoms of intoxication and there is sufficient documentation to take the next steps if an employee is impaired during work.

“Developing a good protocol on this will make your workplace safer,” stated Kelleher.
Funds Still Available in the Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund has received more than 147,000 applications from women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged business owners, requesting a total of $29 billion in relief funds. To date, a total of $2.7 billion of relief funds have been distributed to 21,000 restaurants since the Restaurant Revitalization Fund opened on May 3, 2021.  

Because SBA still has potential funding available for eligible establishments with 2019 annual revenue of not more than $50,000, the application portal will remain open. Eligible establishments that meet this revenue standard are encouraged to apply through SBA-recognized point-of-sale vendors or directly via the SBA online application portal.
Strand Center for the Arts - Update
The Strand Center for the Arts is pleased to announce our current and upcoming plans to fully re-open our campus beginning in summer 2021.

While many elements of the Strand have been shuttered to the public since March of 2020, namely the Strand Center Theatre, in the coming months we welcome you to join us as we resume full operations in a safe and effective manner. These past 14 months have allowed us to refocus, reflect, and pivot as an organization and we have much to share.

The Strand Center Theatre officially re-opens with Scott Bradlee’s Post Modern Jukebox’s “Grand Re-Opening Tour” on Oct 27, 2021 in co-production with Burlington based Higher Ground. Over the last few months, we have successfully formed a partnership with Higher Ground who produces concerts and festivals throughout the Northeast. This partnership is aimed toward a sustainable future and ongoing productions of the highest quality. We are dedicated to its success and take this moment to thank their entire team.

In addition, The Strand Center Theatre will maintain a calendar of family-friendly events with diverse activities, performances and movie screenings. This will continue to showcase regional talent, host fantastic productions from organizations like Plattsburgh Blues and Jazz, and bring new acts to our stage. For shows with outstanding ticketing — Gibson Brothers, Eaglemania, Kashmir and Tusk — new performance dates will be announced soon. All previously purchased tickets will be honored.
WEBINAR: Struggling to Find ANY Help These Days?
Join the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Coryer Staffing for a webinar addressing the hiring challenges being seen throughout several industries in the North Country.

𝗧𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱:
  • How to cost effectively use social media to recruit potential employees
  • How area businesses are successful retaining employees
  • What incentives businesses are offering potential employees that are working!
  • How businesses are using existing employees to help bring in new candidates
  • Examples of free and cost effective ways to add to your company's appeal

𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲 & 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲:
  • Date: May 19th
  • Time: 10am
  • Cost: FREE

We thank Coyer Staffing for their generous sponsorship allowing us to offer this webinar at no cost to our members.
To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, The North Country Chamber of Commerce has created a comprehensive list of resources to navigate state and local requirements. Check out the home page for details. There is also a series of webinars available for businesses to help educate and provide answers to common questions.
Today's Dose is Generously Supported By:
QUICK LINKS:
  • NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
  • NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
  • Looking for Supplies: If your business is looking for hard to find protective products, we have created a list of businesses offering hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, masks and other items.
  • SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000