On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, New York State released additional NY Forward interim guidance for weddings and other similar catered events.  Non-residential events, including wedding receptions, celebrations, meetings, conferences and other similar events, that involve a number of people greater than the State’s social gathering limit and that feature the preparation and service of food and/or beverages are now allowed with new restrictions.

The Chautauqua County Health Department has created a web-based form for venues hosting weddings and other large catered events. Facilities can use this form to share event information with the Health Department at least five days prior to the event, as required by the NY Forward guidance.

The NY Forward interim guidance includes extensive requirements for physical distancing, COVID-19 screening testing for event attendees and employees, contact tracing and face mask use. Event organizers must carefully review the NY Forward interim guidance and take steps to educate staff and event coordinators on their roles in following these requirements.

The Chautauqua County Health Department is ready to work with these facilities to ensure the health and safety of their guests and employees.  In order to hold these events, the food service operator and/or responsible party must follow directions on the County’s web page at: https://chqgov.com/public-health/large-gatherings-and-weddings-during-covid-19-pandemic.

The State’s social gathering limit for events held at private residences is currently no more than 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

The health department sent out a media release on Monday saying social gatherings and lack of compliance with state rules continue to drive community spread in Chautauqua County.

Health officials said that Individuals who promote social gatherings that do not comply with the Governor’s orders, or venue owners, operators, or managers who host such gatherings, could be subject to fines of up to $15,000.

Businesses that fail to adhere to the New York Forward guidelines applicable to their business and activities may also be subject to fines of up to $2,000 per day.

Business owners and operators should consult the New York Forward Reopening Guidelines website at Forward.NY.gov for guidance on compliance and for developing a NY Forward Safety Plan.

County Health director Christine Schuyler said The Health Department and County Sheriff’s Office have been inundated with COVID-19 complaints and every effort is being made to investigate and resolve each of them.

“Community spread of COVID-19 will only be controlled if each person takes personal responsibility for their health and that of those around them. Health Department staff are conducting inspections and investigating complaints; violations will go to the Board of Health for action against individuals and businesses. It is up to the businesses to make sure their staff and customers comply in order to keep all of their staff and customers safe,” Schuyler said.

Health officials said that actions such as wearing face coverings, social distancing, washing hands frequently, keeping family and social circles very small, reducing unnecessary travel, and continuing to follow the reopening guidance under New York Forward all play critical roles in keeping people safe and healthy.

Governor Andrew Cuomo during an April 2020 Coronavirus press briefing. (Darren McGee- Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)

ALBANY – Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced new state guidance for agritourism businesses as New York State enters the Fall season.

• Guidance Available Here

The businesses, which include corn mazes, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable operations, hayrides and haunted houses, are considered low-risk outdoor arts and entertainment and are permitted to operate under New York’s NY Forward guidance. New Yorkers can also visit the State’s farmers’ markets and craft beverage trails, which have remained open under State guidance, supporting agriculture and tourism in the state.

“New York State’s amazing outdoor attractions and recreational opportunities are a boon for families and communities during the fall season each year, and we want New Yorkers to be able to enjoy this time with their family responsibly and safely,” Governor Cuomo said. “The new guidance announced today will ensure that these businesses can open to the public, allowing families to enjoy their favorite fall activities while providing a boost for our farming communities and local economies.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said, “As one of the nation’s top agricultural states, New York traditionally comes together in the fall to celebrate the harvest—from apples to grapes to pumpkins. This year, while things may not look exactly the same on your favorite farm, I am happy to say we can still celebrate agriculture’s bounty and the many family-friendly activities that go with it. With this new guidance, we hope New Yorkers will be able to enjoy some of the best of New York agriculture in a safe and socially distanced manner.” 

The businesses that can reopen are subject to Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment and Public Transportation guidance. Guidance includes, but is not limited to:

Corn Mazes – permitted consistent with Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:

• Reduced capacity
• Face coverings required
• Social distance maintained between individuals/parties

Hayrides – permitted consistent with Public Transportation guidance and the following conditions:

• Mandatory face coverings
• Social distance required between individuals/parties
• Frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, cleaned and sanitized between rides

Pick-Your-Own Fruit/Vegetables Operations – permitted consistent with Low Risk Outdoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:

• Reduced capacity
• Face coverings required
• Social distance maintained between individuals/parties.

Haunted Houses – permitted consistent with Low Risk Indoor Arts and Entertainment guidance and the following conditions:

• Reduced capacity
• Face coverings required
• Social distance maintained between individuals/parties

Petting zoos are not permitted.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has issued a full slate of guidelines for the agricultural industry, including guidance for farmers’ markets and for its food and beverage producers. All guidance can be found at https://agriculture.ny.gov/coronavirus.

•  AUDIO ALSO AVAILABLE AT SOUNDCLOUD

County Executive PJ Wendel talks about the Fourth of July Weekend in Chautauqua County during COVID-19, as well as an update on the Forward NY reopening effort and whether or not the recent spike in COVID-19 cases nationally will set back New York State and Chautauqua County.

PJ Wendel

The National Comedy Center has developed a multifaceted and comprehensive health and safety program entitled “LaughSafe,” which will be implemented upon reopening to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff. In much the same way that the Comedy Center redefined the museum visitor experience with state of the art personalization and interactive technology when it first opened in 2018, the LaughSafe program has reimagined health and safety protocols in order to ensure a safe, worry-free and touch-free experience for all visitors to the National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

With its expansive 37,000 square feet of space and non-linear, free-flow design, coupled with new reduced capacity to 25%, timed-entry ticketing and touch-free protocols, the National Comedy Center is uniquely suited to enable a safe, socially-distant and worry-free visitor experience. The Center’s rural Chautauqua County, NY home, where relatively few cases of COVID-19 cases have been reported, makes a day trip or overnight visit to Jamestown a perfect family get-away.

“We’re thrilled at the opportunity to help people start laughing again – and it’s clear that the power of comedy is more important than ever in these challenging times,” stated Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center Executive Director. “We’re so pleased that we can welcome visitors once more, and provide a safe and worry-free environment for our guests to take a much-needed break, relax and simply laugh –- loud and often — as they enjoy some of the greatest comedy of all time.”

The National Comedy Center’s LaughSafe program was developed in consultation with health professionals at UPMC Chautauqua and UPMC in Pittsburgh, including health and safety protocol reviews with UPMC epidemiologists and an on-site inspection with local UPMC Chautauqua professionals.

The LaughSafe health and safety program features include:

• “Touch-Free”:  All exhibits and screens are now touch-free with the use of a disposable stylus, disposable earbuds and a new “LaughCard” featuring an RFID chip for personalized comedy.
• Temperature checks are required for all guests and staff members upon entry, as well as a daily health screening for staff members.
• Masks are required to be worn by staff and guests (including children age 2 and above) at all times.
• Museum capacity has been reduced to 25% and timed guest entry protocols have been implemented.
• Certain exhibit experiences in contained spaces are limited to small groups consisting of members of same household.
• Advanced online reservations are strongly recommended to ensure entry.
• Visitors now have a new opportunity to create their Sense of Humor profiles at home, before they visit, rather than at a kiosk within the museum.
• Social distancing markers and signage have been placed throughout the museum to ensure proper physical distance between guests.
• Hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the museum.
• Touch-free, contactless payment options are now available.
• Museum staff have been trained extensively for new health and safety protocols.
• State-of-the-art, deep cleaning and disinfecting techniques have been implemented, including frequent disinfecting throughout the day.
• Real-time monitoring of the guest experience and guest feedback to optimize health and safety protocols.

The National Comedy Center is now in the process of producing a new LaughSafe video featuring comedian Lewis Black, who, in his own unique style of ranting and comedic rage, will remind National Comedy Center visitors to wear face masks and maintain social distance within the museum.

For more on LaughSafe, visit ComedyCenter.org/LaughSafe.

In addition to consultation with local UPMC Chautauqua health professionals, the National Comedy Center sourced local Chautauqua County companies for many of its LaughSafe initiatives, including The Resource Center and Team Jock Shop for face masks, Jamestown Soap & Solvent for cleaning and disinfecting supplies and 360 Graphics for signage.

The National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum will operate on a reduced schedule during its reopening phase, with opening hours as follows beginning Friday, July 3rd:

National Comedy Center:

• Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday , 10 am to 5 pm.
• Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum:

• Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday, 10 am to 5 pm.
• Open Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.
• Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

• AUDIO ALSO AVAILABLE AT SOUNDCLOUD

County Executive PJ Wendel gives us an update on the COVID-19 situation, including reaction to the governor’s announcement that gyms, malls and theaters would not be part of the Phase 4 reopening effort, tentatively scheduled for early next week.

PJ Wendel

•  AUDIO ALSO AVAILABLE AT SOUNDCLOUD

County Executive PJ Wendel gives us an update on the COVID-19 situation, including Phase 3 reopening, graduation limitations, and an update on the most recent COVID-19 numbers in the county, which are among the lowest in New York State.

•  AUDIO ALSO AVAILABLE AT SOUNDCLOUD

County Executive PJ Wendel gives us an update on the COVID-19 situation, including preparing for Phase 3 or reopening in New York State, as well as how businesses and the community have been adjusting to the Reopening guidelines so far.

PJ Wendel

On Monday Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed the Western New York Region, which includes Chautauqua County, is expected to enter Phase 2 of reopening Tuesday, following a review of regional data by global public health experts.

Locally, Chautauqua County executive PJ Wendel is urging all Phase 2 businesses to submit their plans so they are ready to reopen when the time comes. He said in his Monday Memo that it is imperative that all businesses visit the Forward New York website and comply with the state’s guidelines to help build employee trust and customer confidence.

Phase 2 businesses include:

• All office-based jobs;
• Retail;
• Real estate services;
• Barbershops and hair salons; and
• Motor vehicle leasing, rental and sales.

Businesses can go online to Forward.NY.gov/ to find New York State’s guidance documents.

In addition to businesses, Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist announced that City Hall would begin reopening to the public, although those who enter the building for city business are asked to call and schedule an appointment ahead of time. Downtown Jamestown Parking enforcement will also resume on Tuesday.

The Governor also announced the lowest rate of positive test results since the pandemic began. The State performed 50,000 tests on Sunday with less than 2 percent returning positive.

The statewide total of Covid 19 cases since the pandemic began is now over 370,000, although many of them have since recovered. It is also closing in on 30,000 deaths.

Businesses and Industries allowed to reopen under Phase Two include:

• Offices;
• Real Estate;
• Essential and Phase II In-Store Retail;
• Vehicle Sales, Leases, and Rentals;
• Retail Rental, Repair, and Cleaning;
• Commercial Building Management;
• and Hair Salons and Barbershops.

More details can be found on the Phase Two Industries web page.

Officials say that if guidance has not yet been published for your specific industry, but you are permitted to reopen, please refer to the NY Forward Safety Plan template.

In addition, pursuant to the Governor’s New York on Pause Executive Orders, the following businesses remain closed:

• Malls; specifically, any indoor common portions of retail shopping malls with 100,000 or more square feet of retail space available for lease; however, any stores located within shopping malls, which have their own external entrances open to the public, separate from the general mall entrance (e.g. strip malls), may open;
• Dine-in and on-premise restaurant or bar service, excluding take-out or delivery for off-premise consumption;
• Large gathering/event venues, including but not limited to establishments that host concerts, conferences, or other in-person performances or presentations in front of an in-person audience;
• Gyms, fitness centers, and exercise classes, except for remote or streaming services;
• Video lottery and casino gaming facilities;
• Movie theaters, except drive-ins; and
• Places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including but not limited to, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, zoos, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, funplexes, theme parks, bowling alleys, family and children’s attractions.