COVID-19 RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
We have created this online repository of key links and resources for the tourism and hospitality industry, as well as small businesses. Please continue to check back for updated information, and please let us know if you have any questions or if there is anything we can help you find an answer for in the meantime.
News, updates and more resources will continue to be posted in the Visit Rochester Member Facebook Forum. You can view and join the Forum here.
ROC Ready Promise
The ROC Ready Promise is a commitment signed by businesses in Rochester signaling their commitment for safe reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about how your business can take the ROC Ready Promise at visitrochester.com/rocready.
NYSHTA Resources
Documents presented during the May 19 VIC Meeting. Please click each image to enlarge and download.
Health Department Resources
Monroe County Department of Health
https://www2.monroecounty.gov/health-coronavirus
NYS Department of Health
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Business Resources
NEW (as of 5/26) - New York Forward Loan Fund for Small Businesses
https://esd.ny.gov/economic-recovery-covid-19-loans-small-businesses
NEW (as of 5/26) - Creating The Best Future For Your Business After COVID-19
U.S. Small Business Administration
New York State’s Disaster Declaration was approved by the SBA. New York State is now recognized as a disaster area for COVID-19.
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
U.S. Department of Labor
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/
Empire State Development Resources
https://esd.ny.gov/esd-covid-19-related-resources
Includes FAQs for businesses, resources for travelers and guidance for public spaces.
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Guidance on determining whether a business enterprise is subject to workforce reduction and essential vs. non-essential businesses. https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026
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Businesses unsure if they are included within in exempt categories but still believe they are providing essential services or functions can request a waiver from these reductions by completing this form: https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Request%20for%20Designation%20Form_0.pdf
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
https://greaterrochesterchamber.com/coronavirus-planning-resources-for-business
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/coronavirus-employee-management
Causewave Community Partners - Assistance for Nonprofits
Causewave is offering free virtual consultations for any nonprofit in the Greater Rochester area to help with their COVID-19 planning and response.
https://www.causewave.org/free-help-for-nonprofits-responding-to-covid-19
Industry Resources
Knowland Resources for Hotel Group Business
https://www.knowland.com/resources/covid-19-hotel-resources/
National Restaurant Association
https://restaurant.org/covid19
NYS Restaurant Association
https://www.nysra.org/
New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA)
https://www.nystia.org/memberships/nystia-covid-19-toolkit
New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association (NYSHTA)
https://www.nyshta.org/
Traveler Resources
I LOVE NY
https://www.iloveny.com/travel-tools/coronavirus-resources-for-travelers/
U.S. Travel Association
https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/emergency-preparedness-and-response-coronavirus-covid-19
Community Assistance Programs
United Way Community Crisis Fund
United Way and Rochester Area Community Foundation have partnered on a centralized funding pool to rapidly deploy flexible resources to nonprofits that are disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the economic consequences of the outbreak, community and organizational recovery, and future community emergencies.
https://www.uwrochester.org/Our-Work/Innovation-Grants/Crisis-Response
United Way Community Needs Portal
Community Needs Portal: The United Way of Greater Rochester has created a dashboard where you can easily view the needs of organizations in our region working with communities who are impacted by COVID-19. View and access the portal here.
Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
https://www.usbgfoundation.org/beap?fbclid=IwAR0EhE7j87z4J1iLtoLjCnKjwEE6Mu_zf4v7L6OMRF8M2gD1wr4Gb6mj54Y
Restaurants offering Takeout/Delivery
http://www.visitrochester.com/blog/post/rochester-takeout-curbside/
