COVID-19 Resources & Information for CenterState CEO Stakeholders

We are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving developments related to COVID-19 - or the novel coronavirus - and its potential impact on our organization, staff, members and stakeholders in the community.

As the health and well-being of our members and participants is our top priority, we have decided that our April 29 Annual Meeting luncheon will not take place as planned. Our goal is to still celebrate member successes and stories, and our collective accomplishments of the past decade through other creative means during the year ahead. 

We are also postponing all of our upcoming events including all CNYIBA and Tech Garden events. We are exploring alternative opportunities to continue to provide value in ways that don’t create risk for your business and community, and will update you as those decisions are made. For further information about events-related matters, please contact Lisa Metot at [email protected].

Our board of directors has been briefed by Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Indu Gupta; Dr. Stephen Thomas, infectious disease division chief at SUNY Upstate Medical University; and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. Their message was clear: as a business community, we have a critical leadership role to play as active participants in the prevention and mitigation of this virus.

Among the strongest best practices we can deploy are to heed the advice shared by the State and Onondaga County Health Departments and the CDC about respiratory hygiene, social distancing, and enacting policies and protocols that allow workers to stay home if sick or work remotely as needed.

We will continue to track available data and the impacts of these disruptions on the national, state and local economy. In the meantime, we are taking internal measures as an organization to develop and execute polices and protocols focused on the health and well-being of our staff, continuity of operations, remote work resources, and travel and event attendance policies.

Additional Information and Resources for Business

Understand Your Employer Obligations: You are legally obligated to provide a safe workplace and to make accommodations for those with disabilities. Protecting your workplace and team from the spread of Coronavirus is no different.

• WHO Guidance: Getting the Workplace Ready for COVID-19
• EEOC Guidance: Pandemic Preparedness and the ADA

Workplace Cleanliness: Encourage frequent hand washing, and make hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes available.

Sick Policies: Encourage employees in staying home if they are sick. You may need to review your paid time off or sick time policies.

Remote Work: Consider remote work as an option and develop a policy with input from your IT provider.

Make a Plan if Operations are Reduced or Interrupted: Disruptions in operations, whether it be from changes in consumer behavior, supply chain issues, or workforce illnesses should be expected and prepared for. Ensure that you have access to emergency funding or a line of credit should you have a significant disruption in operations.

Examine Your Supply Chain: Large manufacturers are already examining their supply chains in impacted areas to minimize disruptions. Consider whether any of your suppliers are located in regions with significant impacts, and whether your shipping times may be lengthened - with the goal of maintaining necessary inventory levels to support your business operations.

Communications Plan: Have a point person on your staff who will take the lead in keeping your information current, addressing staff concerns and communicating updates to your team.

Get Updates Regularly: Ensure you are checking back with numerous sources regularly for the most up to date guidance and information regarding the spread of this virus.

COVID-19 Links of Interest to Business

Local

• Onondaga County Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information Page

State

• NYS Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Page

Federal

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• CDC Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities
• CDC Large Event Planning Interim Guidance

Other Resources

• Johns Hopkins - Coronavirus Disease 2019 vs. the Flu
• Johns Hopkins - Real-time COVID-19 Global Tracking & Interactive Dashboard
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Information Page
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Tips for Employees
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus