By Craig Johnson

Good morning,

Happy Sunday.  I hope you were able to take advantage of the weather we had yesterday.

Speaking of yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.24, his twenty fifth (25th) order during this state of emergency Saturday afternoon.  This Executive Order modifies or suspends certain New York statutes, laws, codes, rules and regulations to permit pharmacies to take certain actions with respect to COVID-19 testing as well as sets forth a directive canceling another special election.  This Executive Order is effective from April 25, 2020 through May 25, 2020.  A copy of Executive Order 202.24 accompanies this e-mail.

NEW DIRECTIVE

Cancellation of NYC Council Special Election

  • Pursuant to Executive Order 202.24, the special election for District 37 of the New York City Council has been cancelled. This special election had been set for June 23, 2020 as a result of former New York City Councilman Rafael Espinal vacating the seat to head up the Freelancers Union.  The office now will be filed by the November 2020 general election.

SUPENDED OR MODIFIED LAWS

As in prior executive orders, Executive Order 202.24 also suspends or modifies certain laws, codes, rules and regulations to aid in New York’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 crisis.  The Executive Order, by modifying or suspending the applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations, to the extent necessary:

Expanded Role for Pharmacies

  • Authorizes licensed pharmacists to order COVID-19 tests, approved by the FDA, to detect SARS-CoV-2 or its antibodies, and to administer COVID-19 tests subject to certificate of waiver requirements pursuant to the Federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988, in patients suspected of a COVID-19 infection, or suspected of having recovered from COVID-19 infection, subject to completion of appropriate training developed by the State Health Department.
  • Permits licensed pharmacists to be designated as a qualified healthcare professional for the purpose of directing a limited service laboratory, pursuant to subdivision 579(3) of the New York State Public Health Law, to test patients suspected of a COVID-19 infection or its antibodies provided that such test is FDA-approved and waived for use in a limited service laboratory.

The copy of Executive Order 202.24 that accompanies this e-mail specifically identifies the applicable laws impacted under these provisions.

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.  Feel free to pass along this e-mail and if you know anyone who wants to be added, please let me know.  Again, if you wish to be removed from my e-mail list, please let me know.

Stay safe!  Enjoy your Sunday.

Craig