Latest on New York State Reopenings and COBRA Premium Subsidies

April 21, 2021

By: John C. Godsoe and

As a bonus to Bond’s April 20 webinar about the evolving legal implications of COVID-19 for business, Bond attorneys Caitlin A. Anderson and John C. Godsoe each recorded a short video to expand on specific elements of the webinar. 

In her video, Caiti, an attorney in Bond’s government relations practice, reviews reopening measures newly in place (or on the horizon) in New York State, including:

  • Bar and restaurant curfews, which are extended until 12 a.m. as of April 19. (Other businesses with food and drink menus (bowling alleys, for example) must stop food and beverage service at midnight).
  • On April 26, movie theaters can increase their maximum capacity to 33%, while low-risk outdoor and indoor arts and entertainment venues, such as botanical gardens, museums, zoo and aquariums, can open up to 50%.
  • On May 19, large-scale arenas and event venues – “Think the Mets,” Caiti said – can increase spectator capacity to 25%. 
     

John, a member of the firm’s employee benefits and executive compensation practice, talks about the COBRA premium subsidy provision included in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, which applies to individuals who have an involuntary termination or a reduction in hours between April 1 and September 30, 2021. In particular, he discusses the five different model notices recently issued by the U.S. Department of Labor for use by employers.

The full presentation covered the following topics:

  • The Union Vote at Amazon and Take-Aways for Employers
  • COBRA Subsidy and Recent New Developments
  • Department of Health Guidance & Schools
  • UI Update
  • Albany Update

Click here to view the webinar in its entirety or to register for upcoming Tuesday presentations.