News Blog

COVID-19 Resources & Update

Posted: 3/13/2020

Share this post:

For the most up to date resources and information, please click HERE.

We are closely monitoring news of COVID-19, a new strain of the coronavirus that originated in China and is spreading across the globe.

These times of uncertainty are when a sense of community is needed the most. We need to stand by each other and encourage one another not to give into the grip of fear and anxiety in the face of the unknown.
Together, with preparedness and positivity, we face the future.

Below you will find an update with information we have now as the situation continues to evolve.

Statewide Overview

As of today there are 328 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York State. That number continues to grow as tests are administered. It grew from 216 yesterday (March 11) to 328 today (March 12) — a 51% increase. A total of 2,314 tests have been administered in New York State so far.

Below are the most recent numbers of cases in New York State by county (UPDATED 3/14/20):

Click here to see the county by county breakdown of cases in New York State.

This situation continues to evolve and we are taking every step to stay informed and take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Postponed Events

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that starting Friday at 5 p.m. gatherings with 500 people or more will not be permitted in New York State.

In addition, for facilities with occupancy of 500 or fewer, New York State is reducing the legal capacity by 50 percent.

Several events the Convention & Visitors Bureau is assisting with have been postponed including (but not limited to) the following:

The Great Nor' Easter Volleyball tournament scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled. No new dates have been provided yet.
U12 Softball tournament at the Dome for this weekend rescheduled for April 17-18
U10 Softball tournament at the Dome for next weekend, rescheduled to April 25-26.
NYSPHAA Boys Basketball was scheduled for next weekend and is postponed.
Per the City of Glens Falls, all public events at the Fire Road Recreation Center Ice Rink are cancelled until further notice. This includes public open skating sessions, homeschool skate sessions as well as all skating lessons.

Mixer

We did not cancel our Business After Hours mixer at Aviation Mall on Thursday, March 12.

We do ask people to refrain from hugging and shaking hands. The Empire State Society of Association Executives as well as other organizations have instituted a no handshake/hug policy for events. This is just one common sense and simple way we can do our part to prevent the potential spread while continuing to patronize local business.

At the Adirondacks Welcome Center, staff is taking increased precaution to disinfect surfaces more often. Signage has also been posted with information about COVID-19.

Summer Season

The situation with J1-Visa student workers continues to evolve. We will provide updates as soon as we have them.

Below are updates from two of our member agencies:

CIEE has suspended participating in Work & Travel USA by participants from China for summer 2020 and programs for exchange visitors from Italy and South Korea until May 1. Click here for more information.

As of March 13th, InterExchange will be adhering to guidance from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) notifying private sector Exchange Visitor Program sponsors to suspend the arrival of exchange visitors over the next 60 days. We also encourage participants who are at the end of their programs to return home at the earliest possibility rather than take advantage of the 30-day travel period.

Until further notice, the InterExchange office is not welcoming visitors. The Culture Desk has been suspended, and participants who seek travel validation signatures on DS-2019 Forms should contact their program directly via email or a phone call to make arrangements.
Click here for more information.

We continue to receive inquiries and requests for information from people who are planning to visit the area. We have heard from at least one lodging member that is receiving summer vacation cancellations. If your property has a cancellation, please reach out to us and we will try to help in any way we can.

Guidance

For additional guidance, we encourage you to visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website for resources and guidelines for businesses at this time.

“All employers should be ready to implement strategies to protect their workforce from the Coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations,” according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Click here to find workplace tips for employees and guidance for employers to plan and respond to COVID-19.

If your hours of operation are changing due to COVID-19, please remember to inform the Chamber and your customers. Be sure the hours of operation and information on your social media and review websites such as Yelp, Google and TripAdvisor are up to date and accurate to avoid user-generated misinformation.

Click here for the New York State Department of Health website with information about COVID-19.

The State also operates a hotline available at the following number: 1-888-364-3065.

Webinar

The Business Council will host a webinar on Friday, March 20 from 1 to 2 p.m. on the topic of COVID-19 and employer preparedness."Employers are urged to prepare for the eventuality of the virus causing disruptions in the workforce and to be participants in helping stop its spread," according to The Business Council.

Click here to register.

Back to News Blog