Implementing New CDC Guidance
- For questions, please contact Empire State Development (ESD) at 716-846-8200 or use their online form
- Industry Specific Guidance
- Overview
- Active Guidance - These New York Forward reopening industry guidelines are still in effect.
- Archived Guidance - Archived New York Forward industry reopening guidance documents are no longer mandatory. These documents are being made available as a public reference and resource only.
- Unvaccinated individuals continue to be responsible for wearing masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidance. Consistent with the State's implementation of the recent CDC guidance, masks are still required for unvaccinated individuals. Further, the State's health guidelines continue to be in effect for large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K to grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings per CDC guidelines.
Report a Positive COVID-19 Case at Your Business/School
- Complete and Submit the Form to Report an Employee/Student/Volunteer who Tests Positive for COVID-19
- See Isolation, Quarantine, Return to Work Documents and Information
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Businesses
- PPE Vendor List for Businesses and Application to be Added to PPE List
- Community Organization PPE Request Form: This form is to be used by community groups, youth programs, block clubs, community centers and faith institutions/places of worship to request personal protective equipment (PPE). See form for additional details.
Financial Support
- NY State Emergency Rental Assistance Program 844-NY1RENT (844-691-7368): provides assistance with up to 12 months of past-due rent, three months of prospective rental assistance and 12 months of utility arrears payments to eligible New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
- Erie County Business Task Force: Immediate Targeted Assistance for Local Businesses Struggling with the Effects of COVID-19
- Empire State Development (ESD) 716-846-8200: Economic Recovery and COVID-19 Loans and Assistance
- Erie County Industrial Development Agency (ECIDA) 716-856-6525: ECIDA COVID-19 Disaster Relief Business Programs
- Buffalo Niagara Partnership (BNP) 716-852-7100: Online informational and connection platform for businesses impacted by COVID-19
- Small Business Administration (SBA) 716-551-4301 or 1-800-659-2955 : Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- US Chamber of Commerce 202-659-6000: Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide & Checklist
- Unemployment/Employment, Employee Paid Leave Rights, CARES Act
- NY Business Express Incentive Wizard - Learn what NY State business incentives you may be able to take advantage of
Additional Information and Resources
- Support your local businesses! Shop 716 eGift Card
- NY Paid Family Leave
- Essential Business List
- Travel
- Erie County Emergency Orders and NY State Executive Orders
- Business Reopening Lookup Tool
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Buffalo District Office or call 716-551-4301 or 1-800-659-2955
- OSHA Guidance
- Childcare Resource Network (CCRN): clearinghouse for childcare openings
- CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility (CDC)
- NYSDOH COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-364-3065
- ECDOH COVID-19 Information: (716) 858-2929
- Community Resources - a variety of resources available to help you deal with the COVID-19 situation
- ECDOH Contact Tracing for Business Presentation (09/22/2020)