ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday a new state mandate in an effort to combat the spread of the Coronavirus.

In his daily news conference, Cuomo said businesses cannot have more than 50% of their employees work outside of their homes. This is a mandatory requirement by executive order, and will be in effect statewide.

Work from home — Stop the spread!

I will issue an Executive Order directing non-essential businesses to implement WFH policies effective Friday.

Businesses that rely on in-office personnel MUST decrease their in-office workforce by 50%. (Essential services are exempted.)

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 18, 2020

Cuomo says exemptions will include essential services such as food, pharmacies, health care, shipping, supplies, media, etc.

“I understand that this is a burden to businesses,” said Cuomo. “I understand this is an impact on the economy, but in truth we’re past that.”