Reopening Nassau

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Re-Opening Nassau 
What Businesses Need to Know


Gym and Fitness Center Reopening In Nassau County During The Covid-19 Public Health Emergency

New York State is allowing Gyms and Fitness Centers to reopen in Nassau County beginning on August 24, 2020. Click here for more information.

When Can Long Island Businesses Reopen?

Under NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan, Long Island can begin Re-Opening Industries in Phases when our region meets New York State’s Seven Health Metrics

Current Status

  • Phase One businesses are eligible to reopen as of May 27, 2020.
  • Phase Two businesses are eligible to reopen as of June 10, 2020.
  • Phase Three businesses are eligible to reopen as of June 24, 2020.
  • Phase Four businesses are eligible to reopen as of July 8, 2020.

All businesses, nonprofits and institutions must follow NY State protocols and guidelines outlined below.

Phase One:

business categories and guidelines for each include:

Phase Two: 

business categories and guidelines for each are outlined below:

Phase Three:

Phase Four:

Additional industries and institutions permitted to operate are outlined below and new state guidelines for each can be found here.

Look Up if Your Business Can Reopen:

Use the New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool
Updated List of Essential Businesses and State Guidance available here

How to get PPE for Your Business or Nonprofit

Nassau County in partnership with the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and an investment from the Town of Hempstead will provide approximately 5,000 small businesses and nonprofits with free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits. The PPE program is intended for businesses and nonprofits with less than 20 employees, MWBE-owned businesses and businesses in hard hit and economically distressed neighborhoods. Other criteria include businesses being open for at least one year and having gross revenue of less than $3 million. The one-page application may be found at www.boostnassau.net. Kits are fulfilled on a first-come first-serve basis.                                                            

Prepare to Reopen

  • Mandatory Protocols & Guidelines: 
    Before reopening, every business must meet specific mandatory requirements. NY State has published "summary guidelines" including both the mandatory and recommended protocols and detailed "final interim guidance" for each business category listed in Phase One.  The guidelines for each sector can be found here.
  • Submit an Affirmation to NY State:
    Businesses must confirm that they agree to operate in compliance with the detailed guidance. A link to the affirmation form is located at the end of the detailed guidance and found here.
  • Prepare a Written “Safety Business Plan”:
    Every business must have a written plan outlining how it will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
    Create your plan using NYS Business Re-Opening Safety Plan Template and CDC Businesses and Workplaces Re-Opening Guidancewhich includes:
    • Wellness Checks for employees and customers
    • Disinfection and Cleaning Routines
    • Social Distancing
    • PPE supply for employees and customers

Reopening Resources & Questions

  • Reopening FAQ
  • For more info on Governor Cuomo’s Re-Opening Plan, visit Forward.ny.gov

Contact Us

  • If you’re a business located in Nassau County and have a question about reopening not answered on this page, please email us at: econdev@nassaucountyny.gov
  • For additional support, the Nassau County Outreach Offices have bilingual staff available to answer questions about reopening:

Report a Complaint 

  • As businesses are eager to reopen, following NY State and CDC guidelines is imperative to the health and safety of our community and will allow us to continue to the next phase.  Residents can report a complaint or concern about a business failing to comply with the new safety guidelines by emailing reopensafe@nassaucountyny.gov. 

NEW Small Business Loan Program - NY Forward: “Boost Nassau”

  • NY Forward “Boost Nassau” loan fund is a new business recovery loan program aimed at supporting Nassau County’s small businesses, Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and nonprofits struggling during the COVID-19 outbreak. Note, the loan program is available to businesses impacted by COVID-19 that haven’t accessed federally-backed programs like PPP. The new “Boost Nassau” program ensures that $10 million will be available for businesses located in Nassau County from the NY Forward Loan Fund
  • Further details on the program, eligibility and how to apply is available on www.boostnassau.net, and here

Open Streets Pilot Program - Making it Easier for Businesses to Utilize Street Space

  • With Nassau County’s new Open Streets Pilot Program, we are making it easier for Villages, Towns and Cities to temporarily close County roads to vehicles to allow businesses to utilize sidewalk and/or street space fronting their business to increase their capacity while maintaining social distancing. This will help address reduced indoor capacity requirements under the NY Forward phase-in reopening, which limits the number of customers indoors and may impact revenue. Continuing the County’s efforts to support the revival of our downtowns and business districts, the County will be fast tracking permitting approvals for temporary road closures, with a decision within a week of receiving an application. To apply, visit: www.nassaucountyny.gov/OpenStreets.