New York's Workforce Association
COVID-19 Resource Page
NYATEP is committed to keeping you informed. Please check back regularly for updates regarding the COVID-19 impact in New York State.
READ THE COMPLETE TEXT WITH LINKS HERE
April 1, 2020
Dear NYATEP Partners & Members,
First, we are hoping you are all staying healthy and energized during this difficult time. We've continued to work on your behalf behind the scenes (from our kitchen tables) and look forward when we can see you in person!
A few quick updates:
In partnership with our colleagues from across the nation, NYATEP has been working to inform Congress about what is needed in the next potential round of federal stimulus based on your experiences responding to 9/11, Hurricane Sandy and the last recession -- stay tuned. Additionally, we are awaiting passage of the New York State budget, and will be providing an overview as soon as possible.
Below are the most recent guidance and resources available to support you in your organization's COVID-19 response.
FEDERAL RESOURCES:
Earlier this week NYATEP released to our Members a detailed analysis of the federal CARES Act. Non-members can download this Quick Summary now, and access the full summary next week at www.nyatep.org
The U.S. Department of Treasury has provided guidance on two critical programs to support small businesses and eligible non-profits -- the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Employee Retention Tax Credit. You can download a summary and application process for both NOW. Additionally, IRS overview and filing form for the Employee Retention Tax Credit are now posted. If you are a 501c3, we strongly encourage that you reach out to your auditors to assess if you are eligible to apply.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has provided guidance on the implementation of SNAP programs and additional nutrition programs during COVID-19.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued their FAQs on COVID-19 for programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
The Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance on safe operation of workplaces during COVID-19.
STATE RESOURCES:
The Governor's office has provided additional information on New York Paid Family Leave for individuals impacted by COVID-19
NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL) has provided several helpful overviews to support the workforce field and general public better understand the new benefits available to them. NYSDOL has acknowledged the challenges New Yorkers are facing in getting through the Unemployment Insurance phone lines and website. They ask for your patience as they are working on addressing the technical issues and hiring more staff to support!
Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Updated FAQs following the federal CARES Act. NYSDOL has also provided additional information for people who are Self-Employed and looking to access UI benefits.
NY Hire Now website for immediate job openings across New York State in sectors that are hiring and need talent
New York's Shared Work program, that allows employers to avoid layoffs by combining reduced schedules for employees and unemployment insurance.
NYS Office of Mental Health has developed a hotline for New Yorkers in crisis to call for emotional support during the COVID-19 emergency.
New Yorkers can call 1-844-863-9314 for free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Help Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
New York Non-Profit (NYN) has also created a running list of potential resources across New York State to support non-profit organizations during COVID-19.
NYATEP Partner, EMSI has developed a Job Posting Dashboard to track job posting trends by day, week, and month and compare to 2019 averages. You can also filter by region, industry, company, job, and skill.
Thank you for your partnership and for keeping the lines of communication open, all of your calls and feedback has been incredibly helpful!
Stay safe and healthy!
Melinda Mack, Executive Director
mmack@nyatep.org
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March 20, 2020
Dear NYATEP Partners & Members,
We made it to Friday -- and we want to give you all a huge shout out for continuing to find creative ways to serve your communities. We have been heartened to hear stories about your teams jumping into action to serve the most vulnerable New Yorkers, assist your small businesses access resources to survive, and cut through red tape to prepare for the economic downturn. You are all inspiring, your knowledge matters, and we are grateful for all you do -- the workforce community is incredible!
As you know, what is happening in response to COVID-19 continues to change rapidly -- below is today's update and the impact on the workforce system -- we will likely send more info before COB as news is breaking quickly.
State
BREAKING NEWS: The Governor will be issuing an Executive Order that mandates 100% of employees work from home, excluding essential services. No further detail is available yet -- we will send as soon as we get it!
A REVISED Executive Order 202.6 (which will be moot shortly) came out last night that requires employers to reduce their in-person workforce by 75%, starting on March 21st at 8PM and until further notice.
Additionally, effective 3/21 all barbershops, hair salons, tattoo or piercing parlors and related personal care services will be closed to members of the public. This shall also include nail technicians, cosmetologists and estheticians, and the provision of electrolysis, laser hair removal services, as these services cannot be provided while maintaining social distance.
Empire State Development has issued the following guidance on what is considered an "exempt" business or place of work. This will likely shift as the new Executive Order comes out.
Federal
We have a brief summary of the Families First Coronovirus Response Act and are working with our D.C. lobbyist and fellow state association partners on advocating for a federal stimulus that reflects the needs of the scale, scope, and unique nature of this crisis. More info will be available next week.
Thank you for your partnership and for keeping the lines of communication open!
Be well,
Melinda Mack, Executive Director
mmack@nyatep.org
READ FULL TEXT WITH LINKS HERE
March 19, 2020
Dear NYATEP Partners & Members --
Below is today's update on COVID-19 and the impact on the workforce system.
We are digesting the federal Families First Coronovirus Response Act and will get our analysis out to you as soon as we can, stay tuned!
We continue to hear from you about the significant impacts you are seeing on the ground. KEEP FORWARDING THIS INTEL! It is hugely helpful to hear from the impacts on services, and what your business partners and staff are experiencing.
NYATEP has been working nationally to continue to advocate on behalf of the field in D.C. as a larger national stimulus is considered. Here are the current recommendations based on your feedback!
We had a great call yesterday with State Education to address the issues related to WIOA Title II program implementation of distance learning and challenges with reimbursement-based programs. We will keep you posted!
NYATEP signed on with an incredible group of partners, coalitions, and intermediaries to a letter urging NYC Mayor DeBlasio about our concerns related to COVID-19.
Additionally, late last night Executive Order 202.6 went into effect in an effort to continue to curb the spread of COVID-19. READ FULL EXECUTIVE ORDER HERE.
Empire State Development (ESD) will be issuing guidance by 5PM today.
If you have questions or concerns please reach out to your ESD regional office ASAP https://esd.ny.gov/about-us/contact-us
EXECUTIVE ORDER
A section of the Executive Order, directly pertain to employer operations, which will impact your organization as well as the business community you serve, including:
Effective on March 20 at 8 p.m.: All businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state shall utilize, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely utilize.
Each employer shall reduce the in-person workforce at any work locations by 50% no later than March 20 at 8 p.m.
Essential business are exempt: This includes essential health care operations including research and laboratory services; essential infrastructure including utilities, telecommunication, airports and transportation infrastructure; essential manufacturing, including food processing and pharmaceuticals; essential retail including grocery stores and pharmacies; essential services including trash collection, mail, and shipping services; news media; banks and related financial institutions; providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations; construction; vendors of essential services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses; vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public.
Any other business may be deemed essential after requesting an opinion from the Empire State Development Corporation, which shall review and grant such request, should it determine that it is in the best interest of the state to have the workforce continue at full capacity in order to properly respond to this disaster.
No later than 5 p.m. on March 19, 2020, Empire State Development Corporation shall issue guidance as to which businesses are determined to be essential.
BUSINESS SUPPORTS
We have heard from many of you that you are fielding substantial questions from your business partners in desperate need of support. A few resources (we will provide at nyatep.org too!)
NYS Department of Labor: Shared Work program to avoid layoffs
Empire State Development: Resources and business waiver requests are available
NYS Business Council is hosting a webinar on March 20th on the "Impact of Coronovirus on Employers"
Small Business Administration: COVID-19 Small Business Loan and Assistance
NYC Department of Small Business Services: Financial Assistance to businesses impacted
Thank you for your partnership and for keeping the lines of communication open!
Be well,
Melinda Mack, Executive Director
mmack@nyatep.org
READ FULL TEXT WITH LINKS HERE
Dear NYATEP Members,
On behalf of the NYATEP Board, we would like to provide several critical updates relating to COVID-19 and the impact on the workforce system. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy, and managing the new scenarios we are all finding ourselves in to get our work done. To our members and partners -- keep the information coming. The more you can relay to us about the direct impacts on the ground, the quicker we can support you and connect the dots across the system. Do not hesitate to reach out to any of the NYATEP staff with questions, concerns or information.
A few important updates -- share widely!
Unemployment Insurance Claims: The State is working to alleviate the significant pressure the influx of unemployment claims has created on the workforce system. Therefore, the New York State Department of Labor has just released a new schedule for individuals filing new Unemployment Insurance Claim by phone or web. As a reminder the 7 day waiting period has been waived. https://labor.ny.gov/ui/how_to_file_claim.shtm
The day you file is based on the first letter of your last name, and filing later in the week will not delay payments or affect the date of your claim. Claims are effective on the Monday of the week of filing:
A-F: Monday
G-N: Tuesday
O-Z: Wednesday
If you missed a filing day, claim on Thursday or Friday.
The Governor has also announced an agreement has been reached with the Legislature that:
Guarantees Job Protection and Pay for New Yorkers Quarantined as a Result of Novel Coronavirus
Adopts Comprehensive Paid Sick Leave Proposal
Provide Two Weeks Paid Leave for Quarantined State Workers
Drive-Through COVID-19 Mobile Testing Facility Opens Today in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Rockland County and Staten Island
Outreach to Retired Nurses and Doctors to Supplement Medical Personnel at Hospitals - Part of Governor's Hospital Capacity 'Surge' Efforts
Directs Greater NY Hospital Association and Healthcare Association of NYS to Work with 1199 SEIU to Develop Plan to Create Drop-In Child Care and Expand Child Care Facilities at Hospitals to Ensure Child Care for Hospital Workforce
Read the full announcement: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-three-way-agreement-legislature-paid-sick-leave-bill-provide-immediate
Thank you for your partnership and for keeping the lines of communication open!
Be well,
Melinda Mack, Executive Director
mmack@nyatep.org
READ FULL TEXT WITH LINKS HERE
Dear NYATEP Members,
On behalf of the NYATEP Board, we would like to provide several critical updates relating to COVID-19 and the impact on the workforce system. The Governor of New York just released the following Executive Order. The items in bold and red may pertain to the delivery of workforce services.
No. 202.1: Continuing Temporary Suspension and Modification of Laws Relating to the Disaster Emergency
E X E C U T I V E O R D E R
CONTINUING TEMPORARY SUSPENSION AND MODIFICATION OF LAWS RELATING TO THE DISASTER EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, on March 7, 2020, I issued Executive Order Number 202, declaring a State disaster emergency for the entire State of New York;
WHEREAS, both travel-related cases and community contact transmission of COVID-19 have been documented in New York State and are expected to be continue; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of New York, do hereby continue Executive Order 202, dated March 7, 2020, and I hereby continue any suspension or modification of law made by Executive Order 202 for thirty days until April 11, 2020, except that such Executive Order is amended to read as follows:
FURTHER, pursuant to the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to temporarily suspend or modify any statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation, or parts thereof, of any agency during a State disaster emergency, if compliance with such statute, local law, ordinance, order, rule, or regulation would prevent, hinder, or delay action necessary to cope with the disaster emergency or if necessary to assist or aid in coping with such disaster, I hereby temporarily suspend or modify, for the period from the date of this Executive Order through April 11, 2020 the following:
Suspension of laws and regulations to allow for expansion of services and temporary facilities for health and human service providers:
Subdivisions (a) and (e) of section 401.3 and section 710.1 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow hospitals to make temporary changes to physical plant, bed capacities, and services provided, upon approval of the Commissioner of Health, in response to a surge in patient census;
Parts 709 and 710 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow construction applications for temporary hospital locations and extensions to be approved by the Commissioner of Health without considering the recommendation of the health systems agency or the Public Health and Health Planning Council, and to take such further measures as may be necessary to expedite departmental reviews for such approval;
Sections 34-2.6 and 58-1.7 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit clinical laboratories to operate temporary collecting stations to collect specimen from individuals suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection;
Section 41.34 of the Mental Hygiene law and Part 620 and section 686.3 of Title 14 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to allow facilities certified pursuant to Article 16 of the Mental Hygiene law to increase and/or exceed certified capacity limits without following site selection procedures and/or without providing notification to the appropriate local governmental unit upon approval of the commissioner of OPWDD;
Section 33.17 of the Mental Hygiene Law and associated regulations to the extent necessary to permit providers to utilize staff members in the most effective means possible to transport individuals receiving services from the Office of Mental Health or a program or provider under the jurisdiction of the Office of Mental Health during the emergency, provided such facilities take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of such individuals;
Sections 29.11 and 29.15 Mental Hygiene Law and section 517 of Title 14 of the NYCRR to the extent necessary to permit mental health facilities licensed pursuant to Article 31 of the Mental Hygiene Law that are treating patients during the emergency to rapidly discharge, including conditionally discharge, transfer, or receive such patients, as authorized by the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health, provided such facilities take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of such patients and residents, including safe transfer and discharge practices;
Section 29.13 of the Mental Hygiene Law and associated regulations to the extent individuals in areas affected by the emergency are temporarily receiving services from different providers, whose immediate priority is to stabilize the individual, address acute symptoms, and provide supports including medication and stress relief, such that it is impossible to comply with development, assessment, scope and frequency, and documentation requirements for treatment plans;
Sections 131, 132 and 349-a of the Social Services Law to the extent necessary to allow screenings to be conducted by telephone;
Sections 2510 and 2511 of the Public Health Law, to the extent necessary to waive or revise eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, or premium contributions; modify covered health care services or the scope and level of such services set forth in contracts; increase subsidy payments to approved organizations, including the maximum dollar amount set forth in contracts; or provide extensions for required reports due by approved organizations in accordance with contracts;
Subdivision 4 of section 6909 of the Education Law, subdivision 6 of section 6527 of the Education Law, and section 64.7 of Title 8 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit physicians and certified nurse practitioners to issue a non-patient specific regimen to nurses or any such other persons authorized by law or by this executive order to collect throat or nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection, for purposes of testing, or to perform such other tasks as may be necessary to provide care for individuals diagnosed or suspected of suffering from a COVID-19 infection;
Section 400.9 and paragraph 7 of subdivision h of section 405.9 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit general hospitals and nursing homes licensed pursuant to Article 28 of the Public Health Law ("Article 28 facilities") that are treating patients during the disaster emergency to rapidly discharge, transfer, or receive such patients, as authorized by the Commissioner of Health, provided such facilities take all reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of such patients and residents, including safe transfer and discharge practices, and to comply with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (42 U.S.C. section 1395dd) and any associated regulations;
Subdivision 3 of section 2801-a of the Public Health Law and section 600.1 of Title 10 of the NYCRR, to the extent necessary to permit the Commissioner of Health to approve the establishment of temporary hospital locations and extensions without following the standard approval processes and to take such further measures as may be necessary to expedite departmental reviews for such approval;
Section 2999-cc of the Public Health Law and any regulatory provisions promulgated thereunder by the Department of Health, the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, to the extent necessary to allow additional telehealth provider categories and modalities, to permit other types of practitioners to deliver services within their scopes of practice and to authorize the use of certain technologies for the delivery of health care services to established patients, pursuant to such limitations as the commissioners of such agencies may determine appropriate;
Suspension of laws and regulations relating to child care to allow flexibility for providers while continuing to protect the health and safety of children:
Sections 414.7, 416.7, 417.7, 418-1.7, 418-2.7, 414.8, 416.8, 417.8, 418-1.8, and 418-2.8 of Title 18 of the NYCRR insofar as that regulation sets the ages of children who can be served and the standards for care; Sections 414.13, 416.13, 417.13, 418-1.13, 418-2.13 of Title 18 of the NYCRR suspending requirements for staff qualifications; Section 390 of the Social Services law suspending provisions setting capacity limits for family and group family day care programs and standards for staff/child ratios in all child care modalities; Sections 390(3) and 390-a of the Social Services Law and regulations at 18 NYCRR Sections 413(g), 414.14, 415.13, 416.14, 417.14, 418-1.14, 418-2.14, allowing for the waiver of certain provisions establishing training and inspection requirements for child day care; and Section 424-a of the Social Services Law insofar as allowing for the waiver of fees paid for statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment database check;
Section 410-w of the Social Services Law and sections 404.1, 404.7, 415.2, 415.3, 415.6 of Title 18 of the NYCRR insofar as that statute and those regulations establish financial eligibility standards, the reimbursement requirements, and set timeliness requirements for the provision of services including payment for absences due to COVID-19 abatement processes;
Suspension of regulations to prevent delays in providing home delivered meals and in providing services under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) to older adults:
Clause (d) of subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of section 6654.10 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, insofar as it requires an assessment be conducted prior to or within 10 days of the initiation of home delivered meals;
Subdivision (h) of section 6654.16 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, insofar as it requires an assessment be conducted within 10 working days after the completion of the screening intake and prior to the initiation of services under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP);
Subdivision (n) of section 6654.16 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, to allow for a care plan to remain in effect for a period exceeding 12 months under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP) when such care plan would otherwise expire during the period in which a disaster emergency is declared;
Subdivision (x) of section 6654.16 of Title 9 of the NYCRR, modifying requirements for reassessments to be conducted every 12 months or within 5 days of becoming aware of a change in circumstance under the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP);
Suspension of law to allow waiver of requirements necessary for apportionment of school aid:
Section 3604(7) of the Education Law, to the extent consistent and necessary to allow the commissioner to disregard such reduction in the apportionment of public money due to a failure by a school to meet the instructional requirements proscribed within this section due to the properly executed declaration of a local state of emergency as defined within sub-section (i), a school is directed to close by a state or local health official or following a properly executed declaration of a state of emergency as defined within sub-section (i), limited to the extent that those specified schools are unable to make up missed instructional days
Suspension of laws and regulations relating to emergency procurement:
Sections 553(22), 559, 1209, and 1265-a of the Public Authorities Law, and 21 NYCRR Part 1002, to the extent necessary to purchase necessary equipment, materials, supplies, or services, without following the standard procurement processes, including the standard prompt payment policy;
Suspensions of law relating to appearances by defendants:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in section 182.30 of Article 182 of the Criminal Procedure Law, the court, in its discretion, may dispense with the personal appearance of the defendant, except an appearance at a hearing or trial, and conduct an electronic appearance in connection with a criminal action pending in any county in New York State, provided that the chief administrator of the courts has authorized the use of electronic appearance due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and the defendant, after consultation with counsel, consents on the record. Such consent shall be required at the commencement of each electronic appearance to such electronic appearance.
Suspension of law relating to waiting periods for unemployment insurance claimants whose claims arise directly out of COVID-19 outbreak:
Subdivision 7 of Section 590 of the Labor Law, so far as it relates to the waiting period for unemployment insurance claimants whose claims for unemployment insurance arise directly out of closings of schools or other workplaces in which claimants were employed, or out of claimants’ isolation or quarantine in connection with COVID-19; and
Suspension of law allowing the attendance of meetings telephonically or other similar service:
Article 7 of the Public Officers Law, to the extent necessary to permit any public body to meet and take such actions authorized by the law without permitting in public in-person access to meetings and authorizing such meetings to be held remotely by conference call or similar service, provided that the public has the ability to view or listen to such proceeding and that such meetings are recorded and later transcribed;
Suspension of law allowing residents of nursing homes to vote with modified visitor policies in place:
Subdivision 8 of section 8-407 of the Election Law to allow individuals not employed by the Board of Elections to assist residents of nursing homes or adult care facilities in the completion of absentee ballot applications and voting
IN ADDITION, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Section 29-a of Article 2-B of the Executive Law to issue any directive during a disaster emergency necessary to cope with the disaster, I hereby issue the following directives for the period from the date of Executive Order through April 11, 2020:
Any guidance issued by the New York State Department of Health related to prevention and infection control of COVID-19 at nursing homes and adult care facilities, including but not limited to guidance on visitation, shall be effective immediately and shall supersede any prior conflicting guidance issued by the New York State Department of Health and any guidance issued by any local board of health, any local department of health, or any other political subdivision of the State related to the same subject.
Any large gathering or event for which attendance is anticipated to be in excess of five hundred people shall be cancelled or postponed for a minimum of thirty days.
Any place of business or public accommodation, and any gathering or event for which attendance is anticipated to be fewer than five hundred people, shall operate at no greater than fifty percent occupancy, and no greater than fifty percent of seating capacity, for thirty days effective on Friday, March 13, 2020, except that any theater seating five hundred or more attendees for a live performance located in a city of one million or more shall not hold any further performances after 5pm on March 12, 2020.
The two preceding directives shall not apply to a school, hospital, nursing home, other medical office or facility as determined by the Commissioner of Health, mass transit or mass transit facility, governmental facility, law enforcement facility, or retail establishments including grocery stores. The Commissioner of Health may allow for businesses that are not public gathering spaces to exceed five hundred persons if the occupancy is less than fifty percent capacity subject to public health review.
·
G I V E N under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany the twelfth day of March in the year two thousand twenty.
BY THE GOVERNOR
Secretary to the Governor
Link to Executive Order
Thank you for your partnership and for keeping the lines of communication open!
Be well,
Melinda Mack, Executive Director
mmack@nyatep.org
READ FULL TEXT WITH LINKS HERE
Dear NYATEP Members,
On behalf of the NYATEP Board, we would like to provide several critical updates relating to COVID-19 and the impact on the workforce system. The Governor of New York just wrapped a press conference that provided the following information, as we have seen another bump in cases statewide:
In the effort to "reduce density" the State University of New York and the City University of New York will be suspending in-person classes starting on March 19th, instead moving to distance learning for the remainder of the spring semester. If you operate or support a workforce development program with SUNY or CUNY it will be critical to communicate program closures. The Governor shared there will be some exceptions and he is working with the campuses to understand hardships for students related to housing, etc. Otherwise, the expectation is that students will be returning home.
The Governor has also urged the private business community, primarily in New York City, to aid in reducing density including telecommuting & working from home; as well as shifting work schedules. He shared he spoke with 100's of employers today.
The Governor is also asking the Legislature pass a bill that would require employers who have an employee who is mandated to be under quarantine specific to COVID-19, are required to pay the person while they are out for the 14 day quarantine. The State will be paying any employees of the State who are mandated to be quarantined.
We expect the full press release will be out shortly (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news) We will continue to share updates as we get them!
As a reminder, be diligent about preventative measures. You can read more at the NYS Department of Health's https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
Thank you for your partnership and for keeping the lines of communication open!
Be well,
Melinda Mack, Executive Director
mmack@nyatep.org
READ FULL TEXT WITH LINKS HERE
Dear NYATEP Members,
On behalf of the NYATEP Board, we would like to share a few updates relating to COVID-19 and the impact on the workforce system. We have been in touch with the NYS Department of Labor, who is working with the Governor's office, to determine potential policies and procedures for the operations of the network of Career Centers across New York in the event that COVID-19 requires staff to work from home or in a worst case scenario Career Center closure.
At this time, no decisions have been made. Additionally, the State is exploring extended UI, short-term UI and shared work as potential options to support workers affected by a reduction of hours or unpaid leave due to the closure of a business. NYSDOL will keep us all informed if any determinations are made or if something changes. If you have questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to NYSDOL's leadership team they have been incredibly responsive to our questions.
We have been encouraged, and agree, this is not the time to incite panic, instead, to be diligent about preventative measures. You can read more on the NYS Department of Health's website: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
The workforce system's strength is the network of partnerships built across communities and regions, therefore it is important that local workforce areas and providers over communicate their organizational or local government procedures that are in place. Any impact on service delivery for jobseekers or businesses should be aligned and communicated across partner organizations. For example, if your organization will be reducing hours, restricting travel, screening jobseekers or employers in a different manner - it is important that this is communicated.
A few additional considerations for workforce providers:
If you are working in school-based or college settings, connecting with the school district or campus to understand the impacts of school closure on workforce programs.
Discussing the cleaning and disinfectant procedures with staff, the maintenance staff or cleaning contractors, to ensure everyone is following NYS Dept. of Health guidelines. Additionally, having a plan in place to have adequate soap and cleaning supplies available to staff to address their work spaces.
Communicating with local employers about social distancing for job interviews, for example hosting job interviews via Skype or no-handshake meetings.
Putting plans in place with partners for remote work, and communication to potential jobseekers and business customers who utilize your services about any disruption in services.
Finally, the safety and well being of our Members and partners is important to NYATEP, as is your ability to grow your expertise and practice in the field. Currently the 2020 Youth Academy scheduled for March 29 - April 1, 2020 in Saratoga Springs will take place as planned. We have spoken through the procedures in place at the Gideon Putnam hotel during this heightened awareness specific to following CDC guidelines for disinfecting public spaces, and hotel rooms; and have been assured that any staff with even a glimmer of illness are staying home. We will make a final determination by March 23, and communicate to attendees.
At this time that conference is a go as planned, and we will communicate any changes to you. Do not hesitate to contact the NYATEP staff if you have any concerns or issues.
Thank you for your partnership and for keeping the lines of communication open!
Be well,
Melinda Mack, Executive Director
mmack@nyatep.org