4.7
4.7
LABOR AND POLICY\\Policy – COVID Policy – Emergency – January 2021 – 1-11-2021
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF JANUARY 2021
TOWN OF QUEENSBURY COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE PLAN
RESOLUTION NO.:____________________________________________________, 2021
INTRODUCED BY: ____________________________________________________
WHO MOVED ITS ADOPTION
SECONDED BY: ____________________________________________________
WHEREAS, the United States is facing a pandemic related to Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) and there was a need for the Town of Queensbury to adopt a COVID-19 Pandemic
Response Plan (Plan) to deal with this emergency situation, and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No.: 123,2020, the Town Board authorized adoption of its
Plan and authorized the Town Supervisor to make modifications as he determined necessary as
further information became known, with the Town Board to later have the ability to approve or
disapprove an updated, revised Plan, and by subsequent Resolutions the Town Board authorized
and ratified adoption of the Plan as further revised, and
WHEREAS, certain modifications have been made since the Plan was last adopted and
revised and the Town Board wishes to consider the Plan as further revised for January 2021 as
presented at this meeting,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED, that the Queensbury Town Board hereby authorizes adoption of the January
2021 COVID-19 Pandemic Response Plan (Plan) in substantially the form presented at this meeting,
and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes the Town Supervisor, if necessary,
to make modifications to the Plan as he determines that in his discretion are necessary as the
situation changes and further information becomes known, with the Town Board to later have the
ability to approve or disapprove a further revised Plan, and
BE IT FURTHER,
RESOLVED, that the Town Board further authorizes and directs the Town Supervisor to
distribute copies of this Plan to all Town Departments and the Warren County Office of
Emergency Services, and the Town Supervisor, Town Safety and Compliance Officer and/or Town
Facilities Manager to take any and all actions necessary to effectuate the terms of this Resolution
and the Plan, as it may be amended.
th
Duly adopted this 11 day of January, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES :
NOES :
ABSENT :
TOWN OF QUEENSBURY
742 Bay Road, Queensbury, New York 12804
PANDEMIC RESPONSE PLAN
JANUARY 2021
JANUARY 11, 2021 Adopted by the Town Board
DEPARTMENT MANAGERS
AND
PUBLIC SAFTEY OFFICER, CSEA AND HUMAN RESOURCES REPRESENTATIVES
Accounting: Barbara Tierney
Assessment: Teri Ross
Building & Codes: Dave Hatin
Building & Grounds: Chuck Rice
Cemetery: Connie Goedert
Court: Mike Muller and Eric Schwenker
CSEA: Susan Sheehan
Highway: Dave Duell
Historian: Joan Aldous
Human Resources: Pinnacle/Marge Mulligan
Legal: Pam Hunsinger
Parks & Recreation: Steve Lovering
Planning/Zoning: Craig Brown
Public Safety Officer/Fire Marshall: Mike Palmer
Town Clerk: Caroline Barber
Supervisor Executive Assistant: Victoria LaMarque
Transfer Stations/Solid Waste: Rich Paris
Water/Wastewater: Chris Harrington
TOWN BOARD
Supervisor: John Strough
Ward 1: Anthony Metivier
Ward 2: Harrison Freer
Ward 3: George Ferone
Ward 4: Tim McNulty
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS AND PUBLIC NOTICE PAGE 2
NOTES PAGE 3
IF MY ABSENSE FROM WORK IS COVID-RELATED WILL I GET PAID? PAGE 4-5
INTENT & PURPOSE PAGE 6
BUILDING LIMITATIONS PAGE 6
PROTOCOLS TO PROTECT EMPLOYEE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PAGE 7-8
PANDEMIC RESPONSE - DEPARTMENT PLANS PAGE 9-15
TRAVEL POLICY PAGE 16
QUARANTINE PROTOCOL PAGE 16-17
APPENDIX A TRAVEL POLICY PAGE 18-22
APPENDIX B ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE PROCEDURES PAGE 23-24
APPENDIX C PROTOCOLS FOR ESSENTAIL WORKERS PAGE 25-26
APPENDIX D COVID PAID SICK LEAVE FORM Page 27
2
NOTE #1: IN REFERENCE TO MEETINGS
In lieu of in-person meetings, use virtual, or remote, meeting formats, like Zoom or Microsoft
Teams.
We are currently working to improve virtual meeting document management.
NOTE #2: DEPARTMENTS NOT USING TIME CLOCKS
Please make sure that the employee signs off on the paper record somewhere.
The Accounting Office needs department manager approval of time worked/earned in writing
on the official “timesheet” for each payroll.
NOTE #3: MANDATORY APPOINTMENTS IN TOWN OFFICE
SECURITY NEED: If you or your staff make an appointment for any citizen to receive services
from your department at the Town Complex, please email the name, date/time and purpose to
the security guards’ email, so they can keep a calendar of appointments.
Their email is: security@queensbury.net.
Offered by Craig Brown: In response to the “surge on the surge” and consistent with the Town’s
COVID plan, please:
Stay at home if you are symptomatic, receive a positive test result or if you have been
recently exposed to anyone that has tested
positive. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-
spread.html#precautions
Be sure to wear a mask when leaving your work area and/or when anyone comes to your
work area. Masks can also, obviously, be worn at all times if you desire.
Work to accomplish all “meetings” with non-Town staff in a virtual manner, ZOOM,
email, phone.
Try to allow for extra space between you and others when/if passing in hallways, or
entering/exiting the building.
Note that we have changed all PB and ZBA meetings for January, at least, to virtual
meetings.
Cover your face, maintain your space, leave no trace.
Make use of hand sanitizer that is around the office.
Observe as many of these best practices as possible when meeting with anyone outside
the office; i.e. field work.
Meet with anyone from the public only as necessary and only in the lunchroom at the big
table. Be sure to wipe down before and after your meeting.
3
IF MY ABSENCE FROM WORK IS COVID-RELATED WILL I GET PAID?
Karla Buettner, Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes
The Family First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) expired on December 31, 2020. As you recall,
the FFCRA was the Federal Act that allowed for the use of “COVID Days” for a COVID-related
absence from work. Although the FFCRA has expired, New York State has a separate Act, the
New York COVID Paid Sick Leave Act (NYCPSLA) that does provide additional COVID protections.
While not as extensive as the FFCRA, the NYCPSLA does allow for paid sick leave for certain
COVID-related absences.
To help decipher this information, I have identified a number of common scenarios that we
have experienced since September, and the required use of time for each situation.
SITUATION ALLOWABLE USE OF TIME
I am experiencing COVID-like symptoms Use of sick or personal leave, if applicable, or
and/or I waiting for the results of a COVID vacation time until the test results are
test provided
My child, or other qualifying family member,
If you are able/approved to work
is experiencing COVID-like symptoms and/or
remotely, there will be no required use
is waiting for the results of a COVID test
of sick time.
If you are unable to work remotely:
Use of sick or personal leave, if
applicable, or vacation time
I have been diagnosed with COVID and I am
If you are able/approved to work
required to quarantine
remotely, there will be no required use
of sick time.
If you are unable to work remotely:
Use of NY COVID Paid Sick Leave
(maximum of 10 working days), then
use of sick or personal leave, if
applicable, or vacation time until
cleared to return to work
My child, or other qualifying family member,
If you are able/approved to work
is COVID-positive and is required to
remotely: there will be no required use
quarantine
of sick time
If you are unable to work remotely:
Use of sick or personal leave, if
applicable, or vacation time
I am a ‘Contact of a Positive’ and required to
If you are able/approved to work
quarantine
remotely: there will be no required use
of sick time
If you are unable to work remotely:
Use of NY COVID Paid Sick Leave
(maximum of 10 working days), then
use of sick or personal leave, if
applicable, or vacation time until
cleared to return to work
4
My child’s school or childcare center is
If you are able/approved to work
closed due to COVID and I need to remain
remotely: there will be no required use
home
of sick time.
If you cannot work remotely: Use of
sick or personal leave, if applicable, or
vacation time
**The NY Paid Sick Leave option does not provide protections for quarantines due to voluntary
travel (i.e. an employee travelled to Las Vegas for vacation and when returning home is required
to quarantine). This situation would require the use of personal, vacation, or un-paid time.
See also:
APPENDIX C Protocols for Essential Personnel to Return to Work
Following COVID-19 Exposure or Infection
APPENDIX D COVID paid Sick leave request Form for Employees
5
INTENT & PURPOSE
In an effort to keep our workers, visitors and residents healthy, and mitigate the migration of
COVID-19, Town Board and Town Managers have developed policy and protocol in regards to
restricting building use and on-campus social gatherings.
BUILDING LIMITATIONS/PROTOCOLS
ACTIVITIES CENTER BUILDING
Queensbury Senior Citizens will strictly limit activities and programs that involve
multiple people in enclosed areas.
No public meetings will be held here in the month of January. Meetings will go to
virtual/remote, like Zoom.
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING
Building hours are 8 AM to 4 PM – building restricted as per below.
Security will remain until 4:15 PM.
Residents are encouraged to do town business via phone, email or website.
Visitors are MANDATED to make appointments with the department they seek to have
business. See posters and/or website for contact information.
Visitor attendance will be guided to north entry doors – to insure traffic management
and security review. Security will maintain a list of non-employees attendance and time
in the building. All exiting will be guided to southern doors.
Meetings or more than three attendees in the Supervisor’s Conference Room will be
prohibited.
Remote meetings/conferences are expected.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS
Will remain closed to the general public.
Residents are encouraged to do town business via phone, email or website.
WATER BUILDINGS
Water Department is closed to all outside visitors unless by appointment. Doors will be
locked after 8:30AM.
Public Water Samples will be dropped off in the Vestibule. Private Water Sample will not
be accepted.
Contractors replacing the clarifier building roof will abide by CDC COVID
standards/protocols. Must use portable bathroom facilities, not the town’s.
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PROTOCOLS TO PROTECT EMPLOYEE AND PUBLIC HEALTH:
Every effort will be made to maintain the recommended six foot social distancing; if not
possible, then the wearing of masks is mandatory.
o Any town functions that could violate the social distancing standard are
prohibited, that includes cookouts, department meetings, breakroom meetings,
etc.
Employee gatherings that violate recommended social distancing are prohibited.
In accord with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), employees who
have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not
come into work until they are free of fever (100.4 F or greater using an oral
thermometer), sign of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without
the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough
suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.
Department Managers will work with the Town’s Building & Grounds Department to
assure that all door knobs and handles that are used by employees/visitors/etc. are
periodically sterilized.
Avoid sharing things: pens, pencils, etc..
When cash money or documents transfer occur, sterilize hands immediately after and
before next transaction.
Gloves required for all situations in which material/money/documents have to be
regularly exchanged.
Employees who have fever, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or bluish
lips or face should stay home and avoid public places. Employees are being instructed to
not report to work if they are sick. If ill, stay home and report such to your Department
Manager.
Employees will avoid touching others, sharing dishes, glasses, cups, eating utensils,
towels and pets.
Consideration should be given to using mailboxes rather than direct human contact
when transferring documents, etc.
Employees will regularly wash hands with use soap and water and hand sanitizer:
Especially before and after eating; after sneezing, coughing or nose blowing; after using
the restroom; before handling food; after touching or cleaning surfaces that may be
contaminated; after using shared equipment and supplies.
We now have available for employee and visitor use a digital no-touch thermometer. If
you would wish to have an employee temperature check, please stop by the Town
Office building atrium where you will notice a table, on that table is the thermometer,
and some sanitizing wipes; aside the table is a trash basket. Please sanitize the
thermometer before and after using and dispose of the wipes. The average human
temperature is 98.6 +/- degrees Fahrenheit. If your temperature is 101 degrees
Fahrenheit or higher, you have a fever. Please be safe!
Employees who are at risk because of pre-existing illness, family illnesses that need
attending to, and those employees who may have been in contact with an infected
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person will be asked to remain home, follow all current state and CDC quarantine
guidelines and will not be on call in list.
Town Managers will make their department’s employees informed as to the following:
o Town employees are encouraged to take advantage of virtual doctor visits,
available through their health plan if they require medical services for common
health conditions.
o The New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued a directive
requiring private health insurers in New York to make COVID-19 testing free
for patients by waiving any out-of-pocket costs. This includes any fees
associated with testing for novel coronavirus including emergency room,
urgent care and office visits to an in-network health care provider for the
purpose of being tested for COVID-19. On March 11, 2020 the IRS issued
Notice 2020-15 advising that High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP’s) can pay
for COVID-19 testing and treatment before plan deductibles have been met.
o All copays related to COVID-19 testing and treatment will be reimbursed, if
not waived by the provider.
o Employees who suspect they may have COVID-19 should begin by contacting
their doctor or going to www.livehealthonlinne.com and complete the
registration. Once registered, the employee will be able to video visit a
doctor online all within the privacy and safety of your home. Please call all
toll free at 1-888-LiveHealth (548-3432) or email help@livehealthonline.com
if you have any problems registering.
o Note: Employees and Management should abide by Centers for Disease
Control’s, “Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick” (see
APPENDIX A) and NYS Department of Health‘s, “Guidance on the Contacts of
a Close or Proximate Contact of a Confirmed or Suspected Case of COVID-19”
(see APPENDIX B).
Plexiglass barriers have been installed where the public interacts with our employees,
like Parks& Recreation desk, Assessment Office desk, Security desk,
Planning/Zoning/Codes desks and Greeting Desk Activities Center.
All counters and desk tops accessible and used by the public must be wiped and
sterilized periodically.
Employees and visitors must abide by signage of our social distancing standard of six
feet; use 6-foot distance markers.
PPE supply inventory will be well maintained and made available for employee use.
When traveling the building, outside your departmental areas, please wear masks.
Recommended one person per vehicle. However, if more than one in a vehicle, all must
wear masks.
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PANDEMIC RESPONSE - DEPARTMENT PLANS
Department managers have been asked to assess their building and work environments.
From: John Strough <johns@queensbury.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 1:21 PM
To: Department Managers <qbydepartmentheads@queensbury.net>; Mike Palmer <MikeP@queensbury.net>; Marjorie Mulligan
(mmulligan@pinnaclehrllc.com) <mmulligan@pinnaclehrllc.com>
Cc: Town Board <TownBoard@queensbury.net>
Subject: Department Managers: Please assess your work environment
Department Managers:
Development of specific COVID-19 mitigation spread prevention plans. Please assess your work environment with the intent of making it safer. Some
suggestions are listed below:
Develop protocols/instructions that limit exposure to others, the public, common areas and common things. Like wearing of mask anytime
they leave their workstations.
Avoid, as much as possible, in-person meetings; if you can accomplish the task via mail, email or virtual meetings, you are expected to do
so.
Provide informational emails to staff/office signage (I am not talking about signage like the one where the Governor is peeking over the
fence to spy on you, I am referring to signage that reminds staff to wear their masks when leaving their workstation areas).
Limit public access to your part of the building; eliminate public access if practicable or make appointments mandatory.
If you have staff who are currently working adjacent to one another, with no protective barrier, consider moving to a safer/more
protected area.
If you are in situations where arriving staff bunches together, entering their place of work or other, you might want to implement
staggered shifts.
Postponement or cancelling of events that might be risky, like an event that would have multiple people in one room.
Ventilate areas often and sanitize common touch surfaces to help out the cleaning staff.
Other?
If you haven’t already, please send your plans to accomplish the above to me please.
Thank you,
John
ACCOUNTING: Barbara Tierney
Regular staffing and hours – staff are sited to maintain social distancing
Please use the mail box to drop off items for Accounting
Closed to the public except for pre-scheduled appointments
Use the phone, email and scanning systems to communicate as much as possible
ASSESSOR’S OFFICE: Teri Ross
Staff schedules and regular hours are normal.
Closed to the public except for pre-scheduled appointments.
The staff will continue to do as much business as possible by phone or email.
9
BUILDING & CODES/FIRE MARSHAL: Dave Hatin
Office hours and staffing will remain as is unless the Town Board directs us differently.
If you feel ill or have cold or flu symptoms stay home and schedule a COVID test through
your doctor or I can call Warren County Health to see if I can get you a test. You can also
get a COVID test at CVS by registering on their web site. Any confirmed in person
exposures should be treated the same.
All members of the public must use email, mail, and phone calls as we have the past 9
months to conduct business with us, at this time I do not see a reason for that to
change.
No member of the public will be allowed in the office or in the building.
All doors will remain open.
Applications, paperwork, and submissions will be left in the Building and Codes drop box
by the back door.
Do not enter each other’s cubicles
Stay 6 feet away from each other even with masks on, wear your mask and limit face-to-
face communications. Speak louder.
Please sanitize your cubicles every week.
Do not share personal office items.
Please avoid project meetings with the public indoors, encourage them to meet you in
the parking lot or job site outdoors. I can setup zoom meetings if we need to discuss any
plans or submissions.
Keep your distance of 6 feet or more as much as practical or wear you masks when in
the office and outside your cubicles.
We will no longer have communal breakfast or lunch until everyone is vaccinated. I am
sorry but I think it is in our best interest given how contagious this has become with the
new strain of the virus, which is here in our community.
For outside inspections and other activities:
Everyone you come in contact with must have a mask on as well as YOU if you cannot
maintain 6 feet or more apart. Mask preferred either way.
No one is allowed in your town vehicle other than town employees and you both must
wear masks, please sanitize every week.
Do not let anyone touch any of your personal items including your IPad, tape measures,
pens and pencils, etc.
At the end of the day, this is all about you protecting yourself, which in turn protects all
of us.
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BUILDING & GROUNDS: Chuck Rice
To assure a strict sanitation program Building & Grounds will maintain full staffing.
o All common area surfaces as well as wall switches will be sanitized as part of
daily cleaning routine. All exterior door handles and touch points will be
sanitized as part of the daily cleaning routine. Carpet cleaning will take place
monthly or as dictated by the types and amounts of soils encountered.
CEMETERY: Connie Goedert
Superintendent all other employees will maintain full staffing to assure cemetery and
crematory essential services.
COURT: Eric Schwenker and Mike Muller
The Queensbury Town Court will be following the COVID guidelines set down in
accordance with Governor Cuomo’s Executive Orders and the variety of Office of Court
Administration (OCA) emailed letters/ bulletins and advisories which are being
frequently and regularly received by the court from OCA.
Although things can change in the blink of an eye, for now…………….. ALL court
proceedings are being conducted “virtually”. Both judges and the court staff have taken
the introductory lesson offered by OCA for use of Microsoft Teams as an approved
method for “virtual appearances”. We are not scheduling any “in person” appearances.
All “in person” hearing” have been postponed pursuant to OCA instructions.
Queensbury Town Court clerks will continue their normal clerk duties and administrative
operations in accordance with State, Town, and Office of Court Administration COVID-
19 protection (social distancing) measures
HIGHWAY: Dave Duell
All Employees to stay in their own vehicles till 7:00 AM.
No using time clock till further notice.
No gathering in break room at any time.
All Employees need to go to new garage to get the orders for the day staying 6
feet apart and wear your mask at all time.
Lunch and break meals should be brought from home not bought at a store on
Town time until further notice.
All Employee should be having break and Lunch in their own vehicle till further
notice.
Supervisors on the desk will be responsible for cleaning door handles and wiping
down all surfaces.
All Employees should clean and sanitize Highway Town vehicles after each use.
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HISTORIAN: Joan Aldous
Appointments required.
Use of mail, email and phone calls recommended.
Masks required when social distancing cannot be maintained.
HUMAN RESOURCES: Pinnacle/Marge Mulligan
Human Resources will follow appropriate COVID protocols determined by each
department.
LEGAL: Pam Hunsinger
Wearing mask when social distancing can’t be met.
Town counsel team (MMHS) will work remotely as much as possible and practicable.
PARKS & RECREATION: Steve Lovering
Public must make appointments and give 24 hour notice.
Website registration is encouraged.
Indoor group events are postponed.
Signage offering COVID-19 safe behaviors and requiring compliance have been erected
at all parks and recreation site.
Public use of athletic fields, playgrounds and picnic areas remains regulated and
restricted.
PLANNING/ZONING: Craig Brown
Stay at home if you are symptomatic, receive a positive test result or if you have been
recently exposed to anyone that has tested
positive. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-
spread.html#precautions
Be sure to wear a mask when leaving your work area and/or when anyone comes to
your work area. Masks can also, obviously, be worn at all times if you desire.
Work to accomplish all “meetings” with non-Town staff in a virtual manner, ZOOM,
email, phone.
Try to allow for extra space between you and others when/if passing in hallways, or
entering/exiting the building.
Note that we have changed all PB and ZBA meetings for January, at least, to virtual
meetings.
Cover your face, maintain your space, leave no trace.
Make use of hand sanitizer that is around the office.
Observe as many of these best practices as possible when meeting with anyone outside
the office; i.e. field work.
Meet with anyone from the public only as necessary and only in the lunchroom at the
big table. Be sure to wipe down before and after your meeting.
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PB/ZBA MEETINGS: In an effort to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and in order to keep as
many people as safe as possible while still working to conduct Town business, please note that;
until further notice, all upcoming Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings will be
conducted in a virtual manner, likely via a ZOOM Webinar format rather than in person. In the
coming days you will be receiving invitations to not only the regularly scheduled meetings but to
at least one practice session. It is our goal to have these meetings run smoothly and effectively
and your participation in these practice sessions will be valuable to both you and
staff. Apologies for any confusion regarding an early invitation to a meeting….we are still
working through all of the functions of this ZOOM Webinar setup. First order of business is to
poll members on availability to participate in this proposed meeting protocol. Our assumption is
that all members have a device with internet access to use for the meeting(s). If we don’t have
/ can’t get enough members then we will need to move toward cancelling the January
meeting(s) for starters and maybe more meetings depending on the environment. Please note
that having a camera is not a requirement. As long as you can see, hear and speak at the
meeting then you will be ok. We have performed a test on the iPad that Laura uses and it works
fine. It is envisioned that most members will be attending the meetings on their personal
devices with those members having Town issued iPads being able to utilize that device. It is
likely that we will first perform a test meeting with iPad users (all 4 at the same time) and then
work up to a full meeting with each Board. This is a challenging time for all of us. We are
working towards keeping all safe and productive. Thank you for your patience and
understanding as we all work through this.
SECURITY
Security hours will match the Office Building hours: 8 AM to 4:15 PM.
The public intending to use the Town Office building will be restricted to using the
northern front entry, the entry monitored by security.
Appointments are mandatory and 24 hour notice is required.
Town Security will account for the visiting public; in that each person attending will be
documented, this includes the following: name, destination, and time entering and
leaving. All visitors are encouraged to make appointments prior to their visit to the
announced limited access buildings.
All departments who have appointments will share those with security; please supply
security with the following information: who, what time, etc.
Will visually observe persons entering the building; Fever, cough, difficulty breathing or
shortness of breath or bluish lips or face may be symptoms of COVID-19. At a distance of
6 feet, security will interview the suspect. If, through observation and interview, it is
determined that the visitor may be ill, they will be asked to leave the premises.
Screening questions:
o Do you have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms, like a cough or difficulty
breathing?
o Did you travel outside the US in the last 14 days?
o Did you have contact with someone with possible COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
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A table is present for the purposes of offering visitors safety checks and PPE materials.
o Non-touch thermometer included.
TOWN CLERK: Caroline Barber
Open to the public by appointment only, 24 hour notice required.
We ask that the residents use the online option for payments or the depository box
located outside of the town office building. The depository box can be used for tax
payments, water/sewer payments, dog licensing/renewals and communications.
Mailed notice with tax bills:
TOWN SUPERVISOR: John Strough
With the help of department managers, developed a January Pandemic Response Plan
for the town.
Town Board Meetings virtual only.
TRANSFER STATIONS/SOLID WASTE: Rich Paris
All visitors required to be masked.
Employees will use masks and gloves and replace at least daily.
Employees must maintain social distancing.
Limit buildings to two employees max.
14
Stagger breaks so we’re not congregating in one building.
Encourage customers to have their recycling sorted before they arrive to help with
congestion in the yard.
WATER/WASTEWATER: Chris Harrington
Water/wastewater has returned to full staff and normal scheduling.
Water Department will continue to take water samples as it has been. Walk-ins dropping
samples off, will not be permitted.
Tap Applications and Sewer Permits will continue to be processed through mail.
OTHER
The Town updates its Pandemic Response Plans continuously to be in accord with
Federal and State and County requirements and protocols.
See attached policies on travel and quarantine.
CSEA: Susan Sheehan
QUEENSBURY SENIOR CITIZENS: Administrator Michelle Whitbeck
Communicated via mail, email and website: PLEASE NOTE that due to rising COVID-19 cases in
our area, the QSC has decided to take a Temporary Precautionary Pause for the month of
January. We will be holding activities via Zoom as an alternative to in-person gatherings. If you
are interested in learning Zoom, please contact us at 518-761-8224. Your safety is our number
one priority! We are extremely thankful to Queensbury Supervisor Strough, the Town Board,
and the dedicated staff at the town who assisted us when we reached out to them on numerous
occasions. Their wisdom and knowledge was very beneficial and much appreciated. When you
are ready to return to the center we will be here for you. On January 12th the board of trustees
will hold a virtual meeting at 1 pm. If you would like to attend virtually you must register in
advance by calling us at 518-761-8224 so we can provide the link needed to access the meeting.
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TRAVEL POLICY
NEW YORK STATE/TOWN OF QUEENSBURY
DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
At all times, Town employees must be in accord with federal and state policies, Executive
Orders, and laws.
See:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/11/interm_guidance_travel_a
dvisory.pdf
NOTE: If a Town employee’s travels require a quarantine, that particular employee will be
expected to use their leave time (vacation, sick days, personal days or floating holidays) for the
required quarantine time.
If the Town employee has no leave days to be used for their required quarantine time, that
employee will not be paid for those days.
*Requests from employees to allow at-home work, in lieu of using leave time, must be approved
by the Town Board.
Ineligible for Paid Sick Leave Scenario : https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-
advisory
New York employees will forgo their paid sick leave benefits from New York's COVID-19 paid
sick leave law if they engage in non-essential travel to any states other than contiguous states
from the time of return to New York until the end of the required period of quarantine or
isolation. This provision does not apply if the employee travels for work or at the employer's
request. The provision included in Executive Order 202.45 mirrors the law's existing provision
that makes New Yorkers ineligible for paid sick leave if they travel to any country designated as
having a level two or three travel health notice from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
QUARANTINE PROTOCOL
See APPENDIX B or https://regs.health.ny.gov/volume-title-10/content/section-213-isolation-
and-quarantine-procedures
Also:
Precautionary Quarantine Requirements
Shelter Requirements Precautionary Quarantine
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The individual must not be in public or otherwise leave the quarters that they have
identified as suitable.
Separate quarters with separate bathroom facilities for each individual or family group.
Access to a sink with soap and water, and paper towels is needed.
The contact must have a way to self-quarantine from household members as soon as
fever or other symptoms develop, in a separate room. There must be a door that separates it
from the rest of the living area and has its own bathroom. Given that an exposed individual might
become ill while sleeping, the exposed individual must sleep in a separate bedroom from
household members.
Cleaning supplies, e.g. household cleaning wipes, must be provided in any shared
bathroom.
If an individual sharing a bathroom becomes symptomatic, all others sharing the
bathroom will be considered exposed persons until the symptomatic individual is appropriately
evaluated and cleared.
Food must be delivered to the individual’s quarters.
Quarters must have a supply of face masks for individuals to put on if they become
symptomatic.
Garbage must be bagged and left outside by the door of each of the quarters for routine
pick up. Special handling is not required.
Individuals should self-monitor for fever and other symptoms of COVID-19 daily
throughout the duration of the quarantine period.
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APPENDIX A
TRAVEL POLICY
DATE: November 3, 2020
FROM: Office of the Commissioner
Interim Guidance for Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in
New York State Following Out of State Travel
This updates the previously issued October 8, 2020 guidance for Interim Guidance for
Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in New York State Following Out of State Travel.
Updates include:
New testing and quarantine criteria for travelers to New York from non-contiguous states and
other countries
Purpose
In response to increased rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states and countries, and to
protect New York’s successful containment of COVID-19, New York State has issued a travel
advisory for anyone coming to New York after travel to states that are not contiguous to New
York, or after travel to any CDC Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice country.
Background
Under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s leadership, New York State has successfully slowed the
transmission of COVID-19 to a rate that is unprecedented within the country. New York
contracted COVID-19 from Europe, with over 2.2 million travelers coming in between the end of
January and March 16, 2020, when the federal government finally implemented a full European
travel ban. During that period of time, 2.2 million travelers landed in the New York metropolitan
area and entered our communities. This, combined with the density and crowding of our
population, caused New York to have the highest infection rate in the country.
After more than 8 months of strict adherence to data-driven, evidence-based protocols,
including required social distancing and mandatory face coverings, and after the closure of our
economy, New Yorkers have successfully reduced the spread of COVID-19 to one of the lowest
rates in the nation. Other states and nations have taken a more haphazard, less data-driven,
less cautious approach, and are now experiencing a rapidly increasing rate of transmission of
this deadly virus. Any non-essential travel continues to be strongly discouraged.
Quarantine Criteria for Travel
All travelers entering New York from a state that is not a contiguous state, or from a CDC Level 2
or 3 Travel Health Notice country, shall quarantine for a period of 14 days, consistent with
Department of Health regulations for quarantine, unless:
For travelers who traveled outside of New York for more than 24 hours, such travelers must
obtain testing within 72 hours prior to arrival in New York, AND Such travelers must, upon arrival
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in New York, quarantine according to Department of Health guidelines, for a minimum of three
days, measured from time of arrival, and on day 4 may seek a diagnostic test to exit quarantine.
For travelers that meet the criteria above, the traveler may exit quarantine upon receipt of the
second negative test result.
Contiguous states are Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont.
Travelers from these states are not subject to this guidance.
Travelers who leave New York State for less than 24 hours do not need to obtain a diagnostic
test before departing and do not need to quarantine upon return. However, such travelers must
fill out the traveler form upon entry and must obtain a diagnostic test on the fourth day after
arrival in New York.
Guidance for Travel
All individuals coming into New York from either a non-contiguous state or US territory, or any
CDC Level 2 or Level 3 Health Notice country, whether or not such person is a New York
resident, are required to complete the traveler health form upon entering New York. Significant
penalties will be imposed on any individual who fails to complete the traveler health form.
The travel advisory issued pursuant to Executive Order 205.2, requires all New Yorkers, as well
as those visiting from out of state and out of country, to comply with the advisory in the best
interest of public health and safety. However, the Department of Health retains the ability to
enforce quarantine requirements and impose significant penalties for non-compliance, as such
non-compliance can result in significant harm to public health. Primary enforcement is carried
out through local departments of health. To file a report of an individual failing to adhere to the
quarantine pursuant to the travel advisory, please call 1-833-789-0470 or visit this website:
https://mylicense.custhelp.com/app/ask. Individuals may also contact their local department of
health.
Quarantine Requirements
If you are coming to New York from travel to a non-contiguous state or designated country, and
if such travel was for longer than 24 hours outlined above, you are required to quarantine
pursuant to the below requirements until you test out or for the full 14 days, unless you are an
essential worker traveling from a non-contiguous state, as identified below. The requirements
to safely quarantine include:
The individual must not be in public or otherwise leave the quarters that they have identified as
suitable for their quarantine.
The individual must be situated in separate quarters with a separate bathroom facility for each
individual or family group. Access to a sink with soap, water, and paper towels is necessary.
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Cleaning supplies (e.g. household cleaning wipes, bleach) must be provided in any shared
bathroom.
The individual must have a way to self-quarantine from household members as soon as fever or
other symptoms develop, in a separate room(s) with a separate door. Given that an exposed
person might become ill while sleeping, the exposed person must sleep in a separate bedroom
from household members.
Food must be delivered to the person’s quarters.
Quarters must have a supply of face masks for individuals to put on if they become
symptomatic.
Garbage must be bagged and left outside for routine pick up. Special handling is not required.
A system for temperature and symptom monitoring must be implemented to provide
assessment in-place for the quarantined persons in their separate quarters.
Nearby medical facilities must be notified, if the individual begins to experience more than mild
symptoms and may require medical assistance.
The quarters must be secure against unauthorized access.
Travel Advisory Exceptions for First Responders and Essential Workers
Exceptions to the travel advisory are permitted for essential workers traveling from a non-
contiguous state or Level 2 or Level 3 country and are limited based on the duration of time in
New York.
Short Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a period
of less than 12 hours.
This includes instances such as an essential worker passing through New York, delivering
goods, awaiting flight layovers, and other short duration activities.
Essential workers must stay in their vehicle and/or limit personal exposure by avoiding public
spaces as much as possible.
Essential workers must monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering
when in public, maintain social distance, and clean and disinfect workspaces.
Essential workers are required, to the extent possible, to avoid extended periods in public,
contact with strangers, and large congregate settings.
Medium Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a
period of less than 36 hours, requiring them to stay overnight.
This includes instances such as an essential worker delivering multiple goods in New York,
awaiting longer flight layover, and other medium duration activities.
Essential workers must monitor temperature and signs of symptoms, wear a face covering
when in public, maintain social distance, and clean and disinfect workspaces.
Essential workers are required, to the extent possible, to avoid extended periods in public,
contact with strangers, and large congregate settings.
Long Term – for first responders and essential workers traveling to New York State for a period
of greater than 36 hours, requiring them to stay several days.
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This includes instances such as an essential worker working on longer projects, fulfilling
extended employment obligations, and other longer duration activities.
Essential workers must seek diagnostic testing for COVID-19 on day 4 after arriving.
First responders and essential workers and their employers are expected to comply with
previously issued DOH guidance regarding return to work after a suspected or confirmed case of
COVID-19 or after the employee had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-
Additionally, this guidance may be superseded by more specific industry guidance for a
particular industry (e.g., for nursing home and adult care facility staff, a negative PCR test result
is required before returning to work). Teachers, school employees, and child care workers must
quarantine for a minimum of 3 days after returning to New York from a designated state or
country due to the nature of education and child care services and the risk and difficulty of
adherence to the guidelines that govern such exemptions, and must be tested on day 4 after
arriving, pursuant to EO 205.2. Although such workers are essential, the travel advisory
exemption for essential workers does not apply to teachers, school employees, or child care
workers, due to the sensitivity of these congregate settings.
Consult with your employer regarding whether there is any applicable industry-specific guidance
that may apply to you.
Please consult the DOH website and resources for additional details and information regarding
isolation procedures for when a person under quarantine is diagnosed with COVID-19 or
develops symptoms.
For reference, except as stated above, an “essential worker” is (1) any individual employed by
an entity included on the Empire State Development (ESD) Essential Business list; or (2) any
individual who meets the COVID-19 testing criteria, pursuant to their status as either an
individual who is employed as a health care worker, first responder, or in any position within a
nursing home, long-term care facility, or other congregate care setting, or an individual who is
employed as an essential employee who directly interacts with the public while working,
pursuant to DOH Protocol for COVID-19 Testing, issued May 31, 2020, or (3) any other worker
deemed such by the Commissioner of Health.
Medical Appointments or Procedures
If you have a health care procedure or appointment scheduled in New York that cannot be
postponed, you (and your support person/companion) may travel to the extent necessary to
maintain that appointment but must otherwise remain quarantined. For further information,
see the Department’s guidance on this topic.
Additional Questions and Answers
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How will my quarantine be enforced?
The NYS Department of Health expects all travelers to comply and protect public health by
adhering to the quarantine. However, the NYS Department of Health and the local health
departments reserve the right to issue a mandatory quarantine order, if needed. Pursuant to
Executive Orders 205.1 and 205.2, anyone who violates a quarantine order may be subject to a
civil penalty of up to $10,000, or imprisonment up to 15 days per PHL 229.
If I am not an essential worker, can I travel to a non-contiguous for vacation or to see family?
Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Upon your return from any travel to a non-
contiguous state, you will be required to quarantine when you enter New York, pursuant to the
criteria above. In addition, pursuant to Executive Order 202.45, as extended, any New York
State resident who voluntarily travels to a non-contiguous state for travel that was not taken as
part of the person’s employment or at the direction of the person’s employer, will not be eligible
benefits under New York’s COVID-19 paid sick leave law.
Additional Travel Advisory Exemptions:
The Commissioner of Health may additionally grant an exemption to the travel advisory based
upon extraordinary circumstances, which do not warrant quarantine, but may be subject to the
terms and conditions applied to essential workers or terms and conditions otherwise imposed
by the Commissioner in the interest of public health. Exemption requests should be sent to
TravelAdvisoryExemption@health.ny.gov.
Resources
Travel restrictions will help to contain the rates of COVID-19 transmission in New York State and
will work to protect others from serious illness. All New Yorkers must take these travel
directives seriously. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. For further information, please
visit:
DOH COVID-19 Website
NYS Local Health Department Directory
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Website
World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Website
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APPENDIX B
ISOLATION AND QUARANTINE PROCEDURES
Effective Date
12/02/2020
2.13 Isolation and Quarantine Procedures
(a) Duty to issue isolation and quarantine orders
(1) Whenever appropriate to control the spread of a highly contagious communicable disease, the State
Commissioner of Health may issue and/or may direct the local health authority to issue isolation and/or
quarantine orders, consistent with due process of law, to all such persons as the State Commissioner of Health
shall determine appropriate.
(2) Paragraph (1) of this subdivision shall not be construed as relieving the authority and duty of local health
authorities to issue isolation and quarantine orders to control the spread of a highly contagious communicable
disease, consistent with due process of law, in the absence of such direction from the State Commissioner of
Health.
(3) For the purposes of isolation orders, isolation locations may include home isolation or such other
residential or temporary housing location that the public health authority issuing the order determines
appropriate, where symptoms or conditions indicate that medical care in a general hospital is not expected to
be required, and consistent with any direction that the State Commissioner of Health may issue. Where
symptoms or conditions indicate that medical care in a general hospital is expected to be required, the isolation
location shall be a general hospital.
(4) For the purposes of quarantine orders, quarantine locations may include home quarantine, other residential
or temporary housing quarantine, or quarantine at such other locations as the public health authority issuing the
order deems appropriate, consistent with any direction that the State Commissioner of Health may issue.
(b) Any isolation or quarantine order shall specify:
(1) The basis for the order;
(2) The location where the person shall remain in isolation or quarantine, unless travel is authorized by the
State or local health authority, such as for medical care;
(3) The duration of the order;
(4) Instructions for traveling to the isolation or quarantine location, if appropriate;
(5) Instructions for maintaining appropriate distance and taking such other actions as to prevent transmission to
other persons living or working at the isolation or quarantine location, consistent with any direction that the
State Commissioner of Health may issue;
(6) If the location of isolation or quarantine is not in a general hospital, instructions for contacting the State
and/or local health authority to report the subject person’s health condition, consistent with any direction that
the State Commissioner of Health may issue;
(7) If the location of isolation or quarantine is a multiple dwelling structure, that the person shall remain in
their specific dwelling and in no instance come within 6 feet of any other person, and consistent with any
direction that the State Commissioner of Health may issue;
(8) If the location of isolation or quarantine is a detached structure, that the person may go outside while
remaining on the premise, but shall not leave the premise or come within 6 feet of any person who does not
reside at the premise, or such other distance as may be appropriate for the specific disease, and consistent with
any direction that the State Commissioner of Health may issue;
(9) Such other limitations on interactions with other persons as are appropriate, consistent with any direction
that the State Commissioner of Health may issue;
(10) Notification of the right to request that the public health authority issuing the order inform a reasonable
number of persons of the conditions of the isolation or quarantine order;
(11) A statement that the person has the right to seek judicial review of the order;
(12) A statement that the person has the right to legal counsel, and that if the person is unable to afford legal
counsel, counsel will be appointed upon request.
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(c) Whenever a person is subject to an isolation or quarantine order, the State Department of Health or local
health authority, or the local health authority at the State Department of Health’s direction shall, consistent
with any direction issued by the State Commissioner of Health:
(1) monitor such person to ensure compliance with the order and determine whether such person requires a
higher level of medical care;
(2) whenever appropriate, coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure that such person comply with the
order; and
(3) the extent such items and services are not available to such person, provide or arrange for the provision of
appropriate supports, supplies and services, including, but not limited to: food, laundry, medical care, and
medications.
(d) If the location of an isolation or quarantine order is owned by a landlord, hotel, motel or other person or
entity, no such landlord or person associated with such hotel, motel or other person or entity shall enter the
isolation or quarantine location without permission of the local health authority, and consistent with any
direction that the State Commissioner of Health may issue.
(e) No article that is likely to be contaminated with infective material may be removed from a premise where a
person is isolated or quarantined unless the local health authority determines that such article has been properly
disinfected or protected from spreading infection, or unless the quarantine period expires and there is no risk of
contamination. Such determinations shall be made pursuant to any direction that the State Commissioner of
Health may issue.
(f) Any person who violates a public health order shall be subject to all civil and criminal penalties as provided
for by law. For purposes of civil penalties, each day that the order is violated shall constitute a separate
violation of this Part.
(g) Duty of attending physician
(1) Every attending physician shall immediately, upon discovering a case or suspected case of a highly
contagious reportable communicable disease, cause the patient to be appropriately isolated and contact the
State Department of Health and the local health authority where the patient is isolated and, if different, the
local health authority where the patient resides.
(2) Such physician shall advise other members of the household regarding precautions to be taken to prevent
further spread of the disease, consistent with any direction that the State Commissioner of Health may issue.
(3) Such physician shall furnish the patient, or caregiver of such patient where applicable, with detailed
instructions regarding the disinfection and disposal of any contaminated articles, consistent with any direction
that the State Commissioner of Health may issue.
Statutory Authority
Public Health Law, Sections 225, 576, and 2803
Volume
VOLUME A (Title 10)
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APPENDIX C
Protocols for Essential Personnel to Return to Work Following
COVID-19 Exposure or Infection
This advisory supersedes guidance from the New York State Department of Health issued on March
28, 2020, to clarify that this guidance applies to essential personnel who have been exposed to a
confirmed OR suspected case of COVID-19.
Public and private sector organizations that provide essential services or functions where personnel
are needed to perform critical functions, including infrastructure, public safety, and other essential
operations, may allow personnel who were exposed to or are recovering from COVID-19 to work in
the workplace setting, if needed to maintain essential operations. Essential services or functions
include but are not limited to public health personnel, utility and water operators, skilled
manufacturers and supporting supply chains, transportation infrastructure, law enforcement, and
emergency response personnel.
Essential personnel who have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 can be
permitted to work in the required workplace setting if all of the following conditions are met:
1. Working from home would not be feasible for job duties;
2. Personnel are asymptomatic;
3. Personnel quarantine themselves when not at work;
4. Personnel undergo temperature monitoring and symptom checks upon arrival to work
and at least every 12 hours while at work, and self -monitor (i.e. take temperature,
assess for symptoms) twice a day when at home;
1
5. Personnel required to interact with individuals within 6 feet should wear a facemask
while working for 14 days following the last exposure;
6. Personnel whose job duties permit a separation of greater than 6 feet should have
environmental controls in place to ensure adequate separation is maintained, and do not
need to wear a facemask;
7. If personnel develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (e.g., fever, cough, or
shortness of breath) while working, they should immediately stop work and isolate at
home; and
8. Testing should be prioritized for essential personnel with symptoms.
Essential personnel with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 may be permitted to work in the required
workplace setting if all of the following conditions are met:
1. Working from home would adversely impact essential services or functions, including
critical public health and public works infrastructure in New York or the response to the COVID-
19 public health emergency;
Personnel have maintained isolation f or at least 7 days af ter illness onset (i.e. symptoms
f irst appeared) and have not had a f ever f or at least 72 hours, without the use of f ever-
reducing medications, and with other symptoms improving;
1
2. Personnel who are recovering from COVID-19, and return to work, must wear a facemaskfor 14
days following onset of illness.
1
For the purposes of this guidance, a facemask is a well-secured mask that covers the mouth and nose. No personal fit testing is
necessary for a facemask.
Additional Resources
New York State Department of Health’s Novel Coronavirus Hotline 1-888-364-3065
25
New York State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Webpage https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Local Health Department Contact Information https://www.health.ny.gov/contact/contact_information/index.htm
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Webpage
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
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APPENDIX D
NEW YORK COVID PAID SICK LEAVE
EMPLOYEE REQUEST
Please complete the below request for leave pursuant to the New York COVID Paid Sick Leave
and return to Accounting as soon as possible.
Name: ____________________
Department: ______________________
Date: ______________, 2021
Anticipated Start Date of Leave: ___________
Anticipated End Date of Leave: ___________
I, _____________________, am unable to work (or telework) because I am subject to a State or
local department of health precautionary or mandatory quarantine or isolation order related to
COVID-19
Check here to verify that you have attached a copy of the quarantine,
Certifications
I certify that the above information is accurate and complete.
Employee Signature: _______________________________________ Date: ____________
1/11/20211/11/2021
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