All businesses and vendors must complete NY Forward plan and submit affirmation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2020
Contact: Mark Geise
(716) 489-6075
MAYVILLE, NY:— In July 2020, New York State issued detailed guidelines for reopening and continued operation of all industries under Phase 4 of New York Forward. In addition to the business sectors added under Phase 4, in September 2020, the State also permitted agritourism businesses to reopen under NY Forward guidance.
All businesses, including low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment, agritourism, farmers markets, and craft beverage producers must comply with industry-specific guidelines to reopen and to remain open during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. The State’s guidance, available at https://forward.ny.gov, includes: Statewide Guidelines; Summary Guidelines; Detailed Guidelines (with required business affirmation); and Supplemental Guidance.
All businesses, including event vendors, must complete their plans and certify with the State prior to re-opening.
Prior to reopening, all businesses must complete operating plans in compliance with all applicable industry-specific guidance and affirm that they have reviewed and acknowledged this guidance. The guidelines outline necessary safety protocols such as the use of signage, social distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, cleaning and disinfecting protocol, and much more.
Each sector’s guidelines are different, and businesses must meet all guidelines applicable to all facets of their operations and activities. For example, some businesses may conduct office activities, food service, and retail operations, so they would need to meet guidance and establish an operating plan for all three of those activity areas.
Agritourism operators and owners, accordingly, must comply with guidance for all areas of operation. These include agritourism, entertainment, food services, local agriculture and exhibitions, retail, and office operations. All business operators and owners can look to the NY Forward Business Reopen Lookup Tool to determine which guidance documents apply to their specific activities.
“It is imperative that ALL industries and owners, operators, and managers visit the New York Forward website prior to reopening or planning an event, and comply with all industry-specific guidelines to protect employees, customers, and the public to avoid any negative consequences that could ensue should they not adhere to the State’s rubric,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “We must keep our metrics within check so that we can continue to reopen our businesses and keep everyone safe while doing so. We need to build employee and public trust and customer confidence as we continue to reopen our economy in a responsible manner.”
If reopening activities result in a higher rate of COVID-19 cases, it could result in a further pause—or even a reversal—in the reopening of our economy and our businesses.
Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA), said, “All business owners and operators, as well as other responsible parties, are required to certify with the State, as well as complete and post their safety plans in a location for all employees, customers, and visitors to see. All sectors are strongly encouraged to go beyond the State’s minimum guidelines where possible, and they must discuss the safety plans with all of their employees and assign a COVID-19 point person. We must do everything within our means to lower the risk to human health and safety, while continuing to bring our economy back to life. ”
If for any reason business owners or operators are unable to access the State’s New York Forward website, they are urged to contact the CCIDA at (716) 661-8900 to seek assistance.
About CCIDA
The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, visit, and conduct business. The organization facilitates development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention for our businesses. For more information, visit www.ccida.com.
###
