Legal Steps for Business Owners in New York to Protect Against COVID-19

As a business owner in New York, it is essential to take legal steps to protect your employees and customers against COVID-19. Here are some legal steps you can take:

1. Follow State and Local Regulations:
   • The State of New York and city governments have issued guidelines and regulations that businesses must follow to operate safely during the pandemic.
   • You should be aware of all regulations and follow them, including employee protection measures such as providing personal protective equipment (PPE), temperature checks, and social distancing requirements.
2. Develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan:
   • You should develop a COVID-19 safety plan that outlines protocols for employees, customers, and vendors.
   • This plan should include measures such as hand sanitizer stations, regular cleaning and disinfection, and proper ventilation.
   • Importantly, you should make sure to communicate the plan clearly to all employees, customers, and vendors.
3. Train Employees:
   • It is essential to train your employees on your COVID-19 safety plan and protocols.
   • Employees should receive training on wearing and using PPE, hand hygiene, social distancing, and recognizing symptoms of COVID-19.
   • Document this training and certification of completing it.
4. Evaluate Employee Health:
   • You can protect your employees and customers by evaluating employee health regularly.
   • Since the symptoms of COVID-19 can be asymptomatic, you should consider using temperature checks and screen employees for COVID-19 symptoms regularly.
5. Contact Tracing:
   • In case of any COVID-19 cases at the work-place, you should develop a contact tracing protocol that follows New York State-issued contact tracing guidelines.
   • This protocol should include steps for contacting employees that may have been exposed, as well as for communicating with customers who may have been exposed.
6. Keep up with Changing Regulations:
   • State and local governments are continually updating regulations and guidelines regarding COVID-19.
   • You should stay up to date with these changes and update your safety plan and protocols as necessary.

There could be limitations and exceptions to the actions mentioned above, such as for specific industries or circumstances. In those cases, business owners must take steps beyond the ones mentioned above to mitigate risks.

In conclusion, businesses must follow legal guidelines and best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard their employees and customers. By following these steps, businesses can not only protect their legal liability but also contribute to the efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.