COVID-19 Safety Plan Dealer Instructions for Completing State Mandated Plan

/

On March 18th, when Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.6, closing all but New York State’s essential businesses, GNYADA immediately started advocating to have all new car dealer operations – sales and service – open for business. 

The State granted our request as long as dealers followed specific CDC and Health Department safety protocols. 

As part of the Governor’s phased-in reopening plan across the State, he added new compliance requirements that apply to all dealerships.

Effective immediately,  dealers must have a written plan for keeping customers and employees safe from the spread of COVID-19. To help members comply with this State mandate, GNYADA has prepared a Step-by-Step guide for dealers to follow. 

Included in this Guide is a GNYADA-produced Plan Cover Sheet, and a Complete Detailed Safety Guidelines, along with a Summary.

Instructions: 

  1. Become fully familiar with the “Interim Guidance for Vehicle Sales, Leases, And Rentals During the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency” located in the packet.
     

  2. You will need to affirm that you have read and understand that detailed guidance.
     

  3. You will need to complete the Cover Page of the NY Forward Safety Plan for Dealers. Dealers must list the names of staff members who will fulfill specific responsibilities, like keeping visitor logs and notifying your County Health Department about any COVID-19 infections among your workforce. 
     

  4. You should attach to the completed cover page to the following two guideline documents included in the packet:
    (1) “Interim Guidance for Vehicle Sales, Leases, And Rentals During the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency; and
    (2) The Vehicle Sales, Leases, and Rentals Guidelines for Employers and Employees. 
     

  5. You must keep the completed packet on-file at your dealership at all times. 
     

  6. You must post the whole safety plan in your dealership where your customers and employees can see it. 
     

  7. Follow both the mandatory and best practices in the guidelines where practicable in your dealership.

The Governor’s new plan does not change dealers’ ability to sell cars.  Dealers in the Lower Hudson region and on Long Island should continue selling vehicles remotely and by scheduling appointments and, starting next week can allow walk-in customers*.  Dealers can continue to offer test drives. 

* Starting June 9th in the Lower-Hudson region, and June 10th on Long Island, dealers will be able to accept walk-in customers in their showrooms as long as they follow State required protocols. 

If you have any questions about the new requirements, do not hesitate to contact GNYADA at (716) 746-5900.