Executive Order 202.18, announced Thursday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, extends New York state’s shutdown of non-essential business and schools until at least May 15, at which time the closure will be re-evaluated.

The shutdown was originally scheduled to end April 30. However, Cuomo announced the extended shutdown during his daily press briefing Thursday, and also tweeted:

New York on PAUSE will be extended in coordination with other states to May 15.

Non-essential workers must continue to stay home.

Social distancing rules remain in place.

We must STAY THE COURSE.

Cuomo is coordinating response to the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for re-opening the state with the governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Delaware

Additional Executive Orders announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week require New Yorkers to wear face coverings in public when they cannot maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing (Executive Order 202.17) and, as previously reported, Executive Order 202.16, requiring all essential businesses, including credit unions, to provide employees in the workplace with face coverings that employees must wear when they are in direct contact with customers or members of the public.