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5.3.21 COVID-19 Bulletin: NYS Will Lift Capacity Restrictions

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May 3, 2021

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today New York will be lifting capacity restrictions later this month. The restrictions have been in place – to some degree – since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic over a year ago.   

Beginning May 19, capacity restrictions will be lifted in offices, restaurants, salons, retail stores, theatres, and other locations throughout the state. However, the state will still require six feet of social distancing so capacity in some locations will be determined by the space available. The Governor also announced that the six-foot rule will not apply if venues require proof of vaccination or a recent COVID-19 negative test result for admittance.

Today’s announcement is being made in conjunction with New Jersey and Connecticut. 

For more information and the latest reopening guidelines, click here.   

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Vaccinating Buffalo Niagara’s Workforce 

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is working hard to ensure employers have the information they need surrounding COVID-19 vaccines and how they can play a vital role in deploying the vaccine throughout our community.

Want to host an on-site vaccination clinic for your employees?  If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, visit our interest form HERE.

More information?   For practical resources on how to develop a vaccine strategy in the workplace and talk to employees about the importance of getting vaccinated, visit our COVID-19 Business Resources page for timely, best practice information and guides.

Preparing Your Business for COVID-19 Vaccines: 3-Part Webisode Series

As we enter this next phase in the COVID-19 recovery and eradication, employers will have a key role to play in the WNY vaccination efforts because employers are often perceived as more trustworthy than the government.  Follow the links below to watch the event replays.

#1 Considerations for HR, Operations, & Senior Leaders  Watch the Replay Here>

This event will provide an overview of up-to-date NYS guidance/ CDC recommendations on vaccine groups, current distribution sites, and opportunities for employers to administer vaccines. Topics include insurance coverage, herd immunity, HR issues, vaccine PTO and others information employers should know.

#2 How To: Creating a Vaccine Policy & Plan  Watch the Replay Here>

Whether you decide to encourage vaccination by removing barriers, providing paid time off or offering special incentives, you should start with a written COVID-19 Vaccine Policy and a Workforce Vaccination Plan to organize your efforts. Join us for a step-by-step plan on how to do this.

#3 Communicating with Employees & Customers  Watch the Replay Here>

Businesses play a key role in nationwide vaccination efforts and their employees’ and communities’ attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines, especially when it comes to education. However, employers must understand the nuances of the audience they are engaging and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. During this event, attendees will learn best practices and takeaway tools on how to best communicate to your employees and customers.

 

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The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is committed to providing employers with the latest information and resources to help you deal with COVID-19 and its impact on our community, state and nation. Visit our Events and Resource pages as they are updated regularly to provide you with the most current information.

Do you have specific questions related to running your business or your business unit?Visit the BNP Business Link, a question and answer forum for, and by, the Buffalo Niagara business community.  Submit your questions and get expert answers on just about any topic from legal, IT, HR, NYS regulations, sales, marketing, communications and more.  It is quick, confidential, powerful and convenient.

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