While New York State Courts are currently not permitting individuals or businesses to commence new matters (with extremely limited exceptions), federal courts (Eastern District of New York and Southern District of New York) remain open. Individuals or businesses can, thus, still file new cases in federal court.

Potential causes of action that can be filed in federal court include, but are not limited to:

• Wage and Hour claims pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards act for unpaid wages, overtime, etc.;
• Bankruptcy petitions; 
• Discrimination/Retaliation claims under Title VII (race, age, sex, religion, disability etc.);
• Interference with rights under the Family Medical Leave Act.