According to NY State Department of Health guidelines, businesses are required to follow specific guidelines, which include:

• Post a safety plan where everyone can see it

• Give employees free face coverings and proper protective equipment and provide replacements

• Provide and maintain hand hygiene stations that include soap, water, and paper towels, and/or contact-free hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol

• Train employees on hygiene and safety practices

• Conduct employee health screenings every day and make sure sick employees go home

• Ensure frequent cleaning and disinfecting of any shared surfaces

• Post signs and put tape or other markers to show people where to stand

• Reduce occupancy to under 50% and limit confined spaces to 1 person (elevators, behind cash registers, etc.)

• Limit all in-person gatherings and meetings, and only hold them in large, well-ventilated areas with social distancing

Certain non-essential businesses and business activities have been defined by the Governor for phased reopening.

Essential businesses and business activities that are currently open will remain open unless specifically reclosed by the issuance of new guidelines.

The following industries are allowed to reopen in Phase 4 on July 20, 2020:

• Low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment businesses or activities, including:
  • Outdoor zoos
  • Botanical gardens
  • Nature parks
  • Grounds of historic sites and cultural institutions
  • Outdoor museums
  • Outdoor agritourism/agricultural demonstrations
  • Other related institutions or activities 
• Professional sports competitions with no fans

The following industries were allowed to reopen in Phase 3 on July 6, 2020: 

• Personal Care, including:
  • Nail salons
  • Tattoos
  • Piercings
  • Spas
  • Cosmetology
  • Tanning
  • Waxing
  • Massage therapy

The following industries were allowed to reopen in Phase 2 on June 22, 2020:

• Commercial Building Management
• Hair Salons and Barbershops
• Offices
• Real Estate
• Restaurants/Food Services (outdoor dining)
• Retail (in-store)
• Retail Rental, Repair, and Cleaning
• Vehicle Sales, Leases, and Rentals

The following industries were allowed to reopen in Phase 1 on June 8, 2020:

• Retail (delivery, curbside, and in-store pickup/drop-off service only) 
• Manufacturing
• Wholesale Merchants

Learn more about phased reopening guidelines for industries in New York City.

Businesses defined as essential include, but are not limited to:

• Banks and related financial institutions
• Bike repair shops
• Dentists
• Grocery and food production
• Healthcare providers
• Laundromats
• Media
• Restaurants, bars, and cafes (Limited to food take-out and delivery only; waiver provided for carry-out alcohol)
• Pharmacies
• Shipping
• Taxis and car services
• Utilities
• Warehousing

Essential businesses must continue to follow the Department of Health’s safety and social distancing guidelines and maintain a clean and safe work environment.

Get information and guidance on essential services under the State Executive Order.