New York Issues Guidelines for Reopening Regions

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s New York Forward Plan establishes a process and timetable for opening New York on a regional basis.  In order to open, each region must meet specific metrics.  Regions in the state include:

  • Southern Tier
  • Finger Lakes
  • North Country
  • Central NY
  • Mohawk Valley Regions
  • Capital Region
  • Mid-Hudson
  • New York City
  • Long Island

A dashboard outlining the various regions and their status can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Moreover, even if a region has reopened, not every business will be allowed to commence operations immediately.  Rather under the NY Forward Plan, businesses will reopen in four phases.  Certain types of businesses will be allowed to re-open up.  For an overview of the types of business categories contained in each phase click HERE.

As essential services broadcasters are eligible to be open in all regions. While “New York Forward” guidelines were written for businesses that are reopening, stations should abide by the new guidelines as well.  This means that even if your region has not yet reopened, you should prepare to meet these guidelines.

A key requirement is to develop a written COVID-19 plan for reopening.  You need to post the plan at the workplace. You do not have to submit the plan to the NY Department of Health, but it must be available for inspection. Local County Health departments will be enforcing the rules.

NY Dept. of Health has developed a proposed template for all businesses click HERE.

Phase in Guidelines:  While drafted for specific Phase 1 industries, the guidelines may be adapted for broadcasting.

Phase Two Guidelines:  Guidelines for businesses that may reopen under Phase Two.   

The NY FORWARD plan for opening up businesses can be found HERE.

Dashboard listing your region and the metrics for re-opening can be found HERE.

RTDNA has issued recommended guidelines for newsrooms that you may find helpful HERE.

NAB has developed basic guidelines for operations that you may find useful to include in your plan. Find them HERE.

For the CDC Guidance to reopen businesses click HERE.

Reopening New York – Business Council Webinar slides