Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a new mandate on Friday: 100 percent of a company's workforce can't leave home, saying "New York State is on pause." Non-essential gatherings of people of any size are canceled or postponed at this time.

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On Wednesday, Cuomo once again told all businesses to have people work from home. He then announced a new executive order, no business in New York can have more than 50 percent of employees working away from home.

Then on Thursday, Cuomo updated his executive order no more than 25 percent of the workforce can work in the office. Come Friday, Cuomo again updated his executive order. 100 percent of the workforce must stay home.

"We are going to close the values. New York State is on pause," Cuomo said. "Policies that assure uniform safety for everyone."

The new rule doesn't apply to essential services like supermarkets, pharmacies, medical facilities and gas stations. Cuomo reiterated 100 percent of non-essential businesses must have employees work from home.

"This is the most drastic action we can take," Cuomo added. "We need everyone to be safe, or no one will be safe."

These provisions will be enforced by fines ifs businesses don't comply, Cuomo said.

Cuomo also told everyone to stay indoors as much as possible.

"Non-essential gatherings of people of any size are canceled or postponed at this time," Cuomo said.

Any concertation of people outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced.

When in public, people must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others. People should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities when you come in contact with people.

Cuomo issued stricter guidlines for people over 70, immune-comprised people and those with underlying illnesses.

Those people are told to remain indoors. They can go outside for solitary exercise. Pre-screen all vistors and aides by taking their temperature.

They are also told to not vist homes with multipel people and all vulnerable people should wear a mask when in the company of others.

Cuomo confirmed nearly 3,000 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 7,102 confirmed cases. He announced 293 new confirmed cases in Westchester County, 48 new cases in Rockland County, 5 news cases in Dutchess County and 33 new cases in Orange County.

Cuomo again stressed the need for more for medical staff. The state must find a way to create 55,000-110,000 hospital beds and find new health professionals as reserve staff. If you are a recently retired health professional and can help you can CLICK HERE for more information.

Cuomo also said all non-critical elective surgeries must be canceled. This will free up 25 to 35 percent of the existing hospital beds. The state is also getting creative to produce more supplies.

"I'm asking all product providers, we will pay a premium for these products," Cuomo said. "If you can make them, we will give you funding to do it, including personal and equipment."

Any business that's interested should contact Empire State Development. The greatest need is ventilators.

"Ventaltiaors are to this war what missiles were to World War II," Cuomo said. "We need ventilators. That is the key piece of equipment."

 

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