NYS State Releases HERO Act Safety Standards |
The New York State Department of Labor has published its Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention standards as mandated by the NY HERO Act. These exposure controls apply during a disease outbreak as designated by the Commissioner of Health. Governor Cuomo lifted the COVID-19 state of emergency on June 24, so no designation is in effect at this time.
The general standards are available here. A model airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan is available here, and industry-specific templates can be found using the links below:
Employers need to adopt a prevention plan within 30 days of these model standards being published and must then provide a copy of their safety plan to employees within 60 days of publishing.
The North Country Chamber recently hosted a webinar called “What Employers Need to Know About the NY HERO Act,” featuring expert advice from Attorney Jacqueline Kelleher. The presentation can be viewed here.
The HERO Act also mandates the creation of workplace safety committees. However, that portion of the Act does not take effect until November 1, and the state has not yet released regulations regarding workplace safety committees.
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Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Permitting the Use of Municipal Space for Outdoor Dining |
Gov Cuomo signed legislation that will allow restaurants to utilize municipal spaces like sidewalks and streets for outdoor dining. First granted under an executive order by the Governor, this law allows restaurants to continue using these public spaces for another year as they recover from the economic devastation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially issued in June 2020 and expiring after a year, the Governor's executive order allowed restaurants and bars to serve their patrons food or beverages on-premises in outdoor space while their indoor capacity was limited. Specifically, these establishments were permitted to expand the licensed premises to use public space such as sidewalks or closed streets, subject to reasonable limitations and procedures set by the State Liquor Authority and the safety and supervision plans of the local municipality.
Restaurant usage of outdoor public space must meet all federal, state, and local laws, rules, and guidance, according to the signed legislation. Restaurants must also have a temporary use permit from the municipality, which is tasked with ensuring the public space is used in a safe, orderly manner. New applicants will need to provide community notification in a manner consistent state Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
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Senator Schumer Calls for Border Progress |
The North Country Chamber hosted a visit Tuesday by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer to Plattsburgh. Following a meeting with Lake Champlain marina owners at Plattsburgh Boat Basin, Senator Schumer issued a strong call for additional steps toward reopening the U.S.-Canada border by July 21, especially for the vaccinated as a start. And if Canada is not ready to agree to bi-national progress, he called on the U.S. to start reopening unilaterally. His Plattsburgh visit, which included viewing the dozens of Canadian boats stuck on land for the second summer, was followed by direct calls to U.S. Secretary of State Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas.
We thank Senator Schumer for his strong advocacy and partnership in this important matter. 15 months with no planning, no metrics, no transparency, no consultation with stakeholders and no reflection of progress is unacceptable.
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Stefanik Sends Letters to Canadian Premiers on Reopening U.S. – Canada Border |
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter to each of Canada’s provincial and territorial Premiers requesting their partnership and assistance in restoring travel across the U.S. – Canada border. This follows the Canadian government’s easing of their quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated Canadians while leaving the border closed to all non-essential travel.
“For over a month I have urged the Biden Administration to begin unilaterally reopening the northern border to Canadians seeking to travel to the U.S., as this would have an immediate impact on families and businesses along the border.” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “With Canada’s move to ease restrictions on vaccinated Canadians, I am hoping they will follow the science and extend the same treatment to the many Americans who’ve been waiting for over a year to visit their homes or loved ones in Canada. Restoring the special U.S. – Canadian partnership will require the collective resolve of leaders on both sides of the border, and I am asking Canada’s Premiers to join me in this effort.”
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Montreal, Once the Centre of the Pandemic, is Starting to Feel Normal again |
It’s now been a little over a week that Montreal has been under the “green” level of Quebec’s pandemic alert system, the least restrictive of all levels. Among other changes, the shift has meant looser restrictions around indoor and outdoor gatherings, and restaurants and bars being allowed to welcome more customers.
Though Montreal is not yet its old self, the steady drop in new COVID-19 cases and loosening of restrictions has allowed the city — once the Canadian epicentre of the pandemic — to gradually come back to life. Around town on Tuesday, terrasses were bursting with patrons while families flocked to parks and public spaces, holding picnics and crowding splash pads.
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SBA's Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Awarded in our Region |
Area awards so far include:
- Retro Live, Plattsburgh: $230,910
- Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh: $356,599
- Cumberland 12 Cinema, Plattsburgh: $758,816
- Strand Cinema, Schroon Lake: $9,114
- Adirondack State Theatre, Tupper Lake: $46,416
- Natural History Museum/Wild Center, Tupper Lake: $570,020
- Depot Theatre, Westport: $45,628
- Otis Mountain, Westport: $103,990
- North Pole, Wilmington: $248,065
For those who have applied but have not yet received word on the status of their application, the SBA has indicated that applicants will be notified of any changes to their application status via email so we encourage you to check and keep a close eye on the email address that you used to create your SVOG portal account.
For those who have not yet applied, as of today (July 8, 2021), the SBA is still accepting applications for the SVOG program. If you qualify, we encourage you to consider submitting an application.
The Chamber can assist you in determining your eligibility, gathering documentation, and with the application process for the SVOG and many other COVID-19 related financial assistance programs - if you are interested in this assistance or learning more, please contact us at (518) 563-1000 or by emailing Sue Matton.
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Bassmaster Elite Series Returns to Lake Champlain - TODAY! |
The Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau and the City of Plattsburgh are excited to welcome the Bassmaster Elite Series back to Lake Champlain, July 8th to July 11th!
Catch the excitement at 3pm each day at the Plattsburgh Waterfront on Dock Street as pro anglers compete for $100,000 and qualifying points towards the Bassmaster Classic!
Be sure to wander around the Bassmaster Expo before the Saturday and Sunday weigh-ins! Expo opens at noon.
B.A.S.S. sponsors’ displays and activities include:
- Toyota
- Yamaha
- Power-Pole
- Garmin
- Boat demo rides by Nitro/Ranger/Mercury and Skeeter/Yamaha
- Buy official Bassmaster Merchandise
- Sign up to join B.A.S.S.
Can't make it to the weigh-ins live? No worries! Watch the excitement at bassmaster.com!
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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.
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Today's Dose is Generously Supported By: |
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NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
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Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
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NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
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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.
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SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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