If you are a contractor, and you get a call from someone who has a broken pipe in the basement, you are an essential business while you fix the emergency. If you go on a call to do a bathroom remodel, you are in violation of the governors orders, as that is not emergency or essential. The impact on the economy is massive, but to the governor's (and his able advisors), it is necessary at least until the initial crush of patients gets cut back, and the emergency hospital capacity is in place. Or, when you come down with it in a week or so, you should be ready to call when the cough gets so you can't stop and you can't breathe, and be told, "we might have a bed available next Thursday."
Non Essential mean everything except groceries or food stores, gas stations and pharmacies, except for emergency services. And the 6 foot social distancing, for everything, no more park basketball. Imagine if this had hit in the fall, and you had to try to enforce social distancing in the town pool! If I could take Two Bob fishing, I'd have to tie him to the roof of the truck!
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-issues-guidance-essential-services-under-new-york-state-pause-executive-order