To our valued clients and friends. We are providing an interim update on Governor Lamont's Executive Order No. 7H regarding new severe restrictions on workplaces for "non-essential businesses" issued last evening and effective Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00p.m.
Since the announcement of the Governor's "Stay Safe - Stay Home" initiative, we have been working with clients to assist them in obtaining confirmation from the government that their operations are (or should be) considered "essential", thereby allowing them to continue to maintain production lines and operations. Below please find a synopsis of the Governor's Order and answers to FAQs. By Sunday evening, the Department of Economic and Community Development ("DECD") is required to publish further guidance on what businesses are "essential". We will update this alert once this guidance is published. In the interim, do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist you in the potential implications of this new restriction for your business.
Overview of Executive Order 7H
- All businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state shall employ, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ
- Non-essential businesses or not-for-profit entities shall reduce their in-person workforces at any workplace locations by 100% not later than March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.
- Any essential business or entity providing essential goods, services or functions shall not be subject to these in-person restrictions.
What is an Essential Good or Service?
- The 16 critical infrastructure sectors as defined by the Department of Homeland Security and available at https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19
- Essential infrastructure entities
- Essential healthcare operations
- Certain manufacturing entities
- Essential retail establishments
- Legal and accounting services
- Municipalities
- Food and beverage retailers
- Certain financial institutions
- Vendors and logistics companies supporting essential services
The DECD will be providing more definitive guidance on Sunday - click here for a more complete listing of current "essential services and goods" under Executive Order 7H.
Immediate Employment Considerations
Click to view the guidance pertinent to your business:
- We are a non-essential business. What do we do next for
our employees?
- We are an "essential" business. What do we do
next for our employees?
- We have a union. Does this change anything?
Other Jurisdictions
Other states have recently issued orders similar to Governor Lamont's Executive Order 7H. Please see below for links to other states:
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
