Supporting Local Business – Information & Assistance

Dutchess County, as part of the Mid-Hudson Region, is in Phase Four effective July 7th.

*Low-risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment (indoor museums, historical sites, aquariums, etc.) are allowed in Phase 4, as is media and film production, and the state has provided guidance on in-person higher education. The state has not provided guidance on when shopping malls, gyms, and theaters may open.

All eligible businesses who have remained open as “essential” or plan to reopen must have a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan to protect employees and consumers, make the physical work space safer and implement processes that lower risk of infection in the business. 

1. Visit the NY Forward website.
2. Click on the appropriate Phase guidance link on that page and find your industry.
3. Click on “View Summary Guidelines” for your industry.
4. Click on “Read and Affirm the Detailed Guidelines” for your industry and, after reviewing the guidance, complete the State’s Business Affirmation Form and click submit. 
5. Click on “Print Business Safety Plan Template” for your industry, and then print and fill out the template, and keep on file at your place of business.
6. Implement your Safety Plan. 

Note: 

• Plans must be retained on the premises of the business and must be made available to the New York State Department of Health (DOH) or local health or safety authorities in the event of an inspection.
• Businesses must review and submit affirmation they will adhere to the guidelines outlined in the NY Forward plan. Summary guidelines, safety plan templates and affirmation statement and submission directions are available, by industry, on the NY Forward website.

Guidance

• WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR BUSINESS TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?
• WHEN CAN YOU OR YOUR EMPLOYEES RETURN TO WORK?
• Governor Cuomo Announces Restaurants, Bars & Other SLA-licensed Entities Must Close In-person Service From 10 PM to 5 AM
• Updated guidance from NYS Liquor Authority for serving alcohol at local restaurants
• Seasonal Facilities (Camps, Beaches & Pools) Guidance and Permitting
• Graduation Event Guidance Memo from Commissioner of Health Dr. Anil Vaidian (.pdf)
• Interim Advisory for In-Person Special Education Services and Instruction from New York State Department of Health (.pdf)

Resources

• Opening Main Streets with Outdoor Dining
• View a more detailed breakdown by industry and the required guidelines and affirmation statement for each of the Phase One industries.
• View additional statewide permissible activities (and guidance).
• You can use the NY Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool to see if a particular business is eligible to reopen.

Handouts & Posters

• Download a "Get Tested for COVID-19" flyer (.pdf) to post in public spaces and businesses.
• Download a Face Coverings Required in Public Places poster (.pdf)
  • Download a Using a Cloth Face Covering as a Mask Flyer (.pdf)
• COVID-19 Community Resource Guide Poster (.pdf) - download this poster to post in public spaces and businesses.
• Best Practices for Businesses During COVID-19 (.pdf)
• Download a COVID-19 Community Information Fact Sheet (.pdf) to post in public spaces. A Spanish version is also available.