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Social Distancing on the Weekend

Posted: 3/20/2020

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 Social Distancing on the Weekend

By Parker Hamblin
CVB Marketing/ Community Coordinator

Over the past week we’ve watched the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) develop at a rapid rate.

In New York State we saw mandated restrictions on gatherings last week of 500 or more. This week the White House Coronavirus Task Force came issued  guidance that no more than 10 people should gather. Then restrictions on what businesses could stay open continued to evolve as casinos, gyms, theaters, interior malls and now barber shops and more are mandated closed.

Today Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced 100% of the workforce in businesses not listed under essential services are mandated to stay home and work remotely if possible.

Restaurants and bars are in the “Essential Retail” category and are still able to offer takeout.

Many local restaurants in The Lake George Area were quick to give updates on their hours and availability this week. Many businesses in our region as well as many across the globe have and will continue to see huge losses in revenues as a result of large amounts of people canceling traveling plans, sporting events, special events, businesses events and any large gatherings. Keeping restaurants open for take-out and delivery will hopefully soften the damage they will experience as a result of these massive regulations shutting down businesses.

Click here for updates, hours of operations and offerings on local restaurants and other businesses

We are also having a fun social media photo contest to help spread the word about all the delicious takeout options available. Click here to read more about the #TastyTakeout social media contest.

On Monday night, Cuomo encouraged businesses to look into the Shared Work Program through the New York State Department of Labor. This program allows staff to be partially laid off during a downturn in business. Once a company is approved for Shared Work, staff can collect a partial UI benefit while working reduced hours. Staff do not have a "work search requirement" as they are still employed. The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and CVB hopes to see the spread of the virus die down soon and to have our businesses prosper without huge layoffs to their workforce.

In the meantime, it is important not to panic and to stay healthy. Make sure to follow any sanitary procedures set by New York State and the CDC. With schools closed and many people working from home, it might be a good idea to find activities to stay active, away from large crowds. We are very lucky to live in the gateway to the beautiful Adirondack Park. The weather is warming up outside and there are still plenty of activities to keep you busy. Take the family to a local park and spend some time outdoors in an open environment, go for a hike with the snow melting and plenty of trails to explore. Or simply go out for a walk through your neighborhood and enjoy the warmer weather. Keep a distance of at least 6 feet from people and stay home as much as possible to save the lives of others. Make sure to sanitize or wash your hands as much as possible.

Visit the Lake George Land Conservancy’s website and the Adirondack Mountain Club site for more information on hiking and trail updates.

Want to go for a walk and brush up on your history?

Click here to view a printable version of the Colonial Wars Self-Guided Walking Tour in Lake George.

Some maple farms are open for drive-up service or online shopping as well.

Click here for more information on Thurman Maple Days Lite.

Regulations have been changing day by day so make sure to keep an eye out for press conferences or updates regarding the situation. Regulations set today may change from what is made tomorrow.

To stay in the loop visit ny.gov or head over to their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NewYorkDepartmentOfState/. Together, we can all get through these challenging times. 



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