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To reduce the spread of Coronavirus, please follow these guidelines:
Information for Employers on NYC's COVID-19 Testing Recommendations
Additional information and resources are available on NYC Health's COVID-19: Businesses and Schools resource page.
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NYC Business and Restaurant Resource Guides
Check out our NYC Business Reopening Guide and NYC Restaurant Resource Guide to find out how you can safely operate your business.
Please continue to watch for emails from us (sign up here) as more information will be shared as it becomes available.
The Open Storefronts program 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 Your Business Webinars
Visit nycsmallbizcourses.eventbrite.com and search for "Guidelines" to sign up for an upcoming webinar to learn about requirements, recommendations, and resources available to help businesses reopen in NYC.
View and download a copy of the presentation here:
Additional Resources for Businesses
Here are some additional resources to help your business:
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May 14, 2020: NYC Council passes several bills to aid small businesses
These bills were signed into law on May 26, 2020:
Vaccination Requirements: Workplaces
Beginning December 27, workers in New York City who perform in-person work or interact with the public in the course of business must show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Workers will then have 45 days to show proof of their second dose (for Pfizer or Moderna vaccines).
Businesses may not allow any unvaccinated workers to come to their workplace. A workplace is considered any location — including a vehicle — where you work in the presence of at least one other person.
Learn more at nyc.gov/vaxtowork. Have questions? Call our hotline at 888-SBS-4NYC (888-727-4692).
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What is considered an essential business?
What are some general good practices for 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 NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) 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. 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?
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 no cost recruitment services 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?
How and where can I and my staff get a COVID-19 vaccination?
It has never been easier to get a COVID-19 vaccination in NYC. People 5 and older are eligible for the vaccine. After you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a face covering or stay 6 feet away from others in most places, in addition to other benefits of vaccination. Learn more about the vaccine and find out how you can get your shot today at nyc.gov/covidvaccine.
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.
If you would like to purchase 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.
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, visit nyc.gov/facecoverings.
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 staff 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 (888) SBS-4NYC.
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, the Governor 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:
NYS Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 Relief Options
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering a number of COVID-19 relief options learn more here.
If you have questions related to the SBA programs, find a local SBA resource partner.
Are you looking to apply for small business relief funds?
Please note that scammers are targeting businesses with loan and grant fraud. Beware of phishing emails and robocalls, and double-check 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.
To get help from the NELP, call (212) 382-6633 or email nelp@nycbar.org.
Small Business Legal Relief Alliance (SBLRA)
The Small Business Legal Relief Alliance (SBLRA) consists of some of the City's leading law firms and legal services organizations providing free legal counsel and financial aid guidance. The Alliance serves small businesses, nonprofits, self-employed individuals, and cooperatives in practice areas including: loans & grants, tax questions, commercial leases, contracts/business law, employment, insurance questions, 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's Community Development Project (CDP) provides targeted support to small business owners, nonprofit organizations, and Housing Development Fund Companies (HDFCs) in New York City. Find services in your borough.
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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.
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My company wants to help. How can I donate or sell supplies, food, or funds?
By continuing to take precautions, New Yorkers can slow the spread of COVID-19.
Prepare your business for emergencies and get support after a disruption.
Get info for employers and employees, notice of employee rights, timekeeping tools, and more.
Call or text 988 for free, confidential mental health support. We're here to listen and help 24/7.
The following are examples of actions grocery stores have taken to maintain social distancing. These are only examples, and are not requirements.