The New York State Department of Health has issued a model Business Reopening Safety Plan for businesses that will be reopening in Phase 1 of Gov. Cuomo’s four-phase reopening guidelines for various regions and industries in New York state.

The first phase involves (by region) construction, manufacturing, agriculture and wholesale supply chain, and select retail using curbside pickup only. The governor has issued specific summary guidelines and detailed guidelines for each of the industry sectors covered by the first phase. The New York Forward Business Reopening Safety Plan Template, applicable at this time only for Phase 1 industries, addresses physical distancing, protective equipment, hygiene and cleaning, communication with employees, vendors and customers, screening for working/entry, contact tracing, and disinfection of contaminated areas. The Guidance indicates that each reopening business “must develop a written Safety Plan, and that businesses may use the State’s template form. The plan does not need to be submitted to the state for approval, but it must be retained on file at the premises and made available to state and local health authorities for inspection.