Good evening,

I hope and trust you continue to be safe and healthy.  This evening, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.17, which is effective from April 15, 2020 through May 15, 2020.  A copy of Executive Order 202.17 accompanies this email.

This Executive Order, the eighteenth (18th) one issued by Governor Cuomo during this state of emergency, issues two directives designed to combat the COVID-19 crisis in New York State.  The key directive contained in this Executive Order requires an individual to cover his or her nose and mouth with a mask or cloth face covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance (i.e. being 6 feet away from another person).  Thus, individuals in New York will now be expected to wear a mask or face covering when taking public transit, shopping in a supermarket, or even standing at the street corner when others are present.  Critically, the directive does not contain a penalty provision, although Governor Cuomo publicly noted that a civil penalty could be added at a later date.  This directive takes effect on Friday, April 17, 2020 at 8 pm and applies to all individuals over the age of two (2) and who can medically tolerate wearing a mask or face covering.

Executive Order 202.17 also contains a directive that clarifies a directive previously issued in Executive Order 202.16.  Executive Order 202.16 addressed certain circumstances when no-action or no filing letters would be issued in certain legal matters.  Executive Order 202.17 modifies this provision to provide that the no-action or no-filing letters would be issued by the New York Attorney General. Executive Order 202.16 had indicated that such letters would be issued by the New York City Law Department.

Long Point Advisors remains vigilant during this crisis, working continuously to ensure that you are protected in these uncertain times.  As always, Long Point Advisors is a steady conduit to New York government officials, both state and local, on matters that are crucial to your business.  A copy of this alert and all previous alerts can be found on my website at www.longpointadvisors.com.  Again, if you wish to be removed from my e-mail list, please let me know.

Stay safe!

Craig