Effective March, 22, 2020 at 8:00PM, Executive Order 202.8 directed that all businesses and not-for-profit entities in New York State, that are not determined to be essential businesses or providers of essential services, must reduce their in-person workforce by 100%. Order 202.8 also established a list of “essential” businesses and services that could continue to operate and would not be subject to the State imposed restrictions.
Essential businesses or entities must continue to comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Department of Health. Essential businesses and entities should also make every effort to reduce in-person workforce to just the level necessary to provide any service or function.
Empire State Development has created a list of essential businesses and services to assist businesses in determining whether they must comply with the restrictions (https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026). Empire State Development also has a submission process by which any business or entity can submit for a determination as to whether or not they are an essential business. For additional guidance, questions or information please visit the Empire State Development Website listed above.
The County of Suffolk has also indicated that they have received information from Empire State Development since the release of Executive Order 202.8, which identifies landscapers and landscaping services as an addition to the essential businesses and services list.
The Town of Southampton continues to monitor this evolving situation. We understand the confusion and complications that many of these public safety orders are causing. Your cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated as we collectively try to fight the continued spread of the Coronavirus as a whole community.
