We’re Open – New York City & Long Island not far behind!

We’re Open – New York City & Long Island not far behind! TODAY, New York’s Mid Hudson region, which includes Westchester County, became the eighth of ten state regions to qualify for the Phase 1 partial reopening under Cuomo’s NY Forward Plan. Just one day after Memorial Day, the day County Executive George Latimer suggested the county might reopen, when he addressed the Armonk Chamber of Commerce just ten days ago. The region got the green light when each of its seven counties, including Rockland, Putnam, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Westchester, met the final two (of 7) critical COVID-19 health metrics over the weekend. When New Hospitalizations per 100K population dropped below 2, and COVID deaths dropped to a 3-day moving average of 5.

This morning, the Governor announced that Long Island is set to open on Wednesday, May 27. The final outstanding benchmark remaining for the Island is to reach 14 Consecutive Days of Declining Hospital Deaths (3-day moving average). However, Long Island reached 12 consecutive days per the latest state report which was issued on Sunday, May 24. So it is possible that Long Island will reach this benchmark today – when over-the-weekend numbers are released. New York City remains the last state region that has not passed all 7 health metrics. However, the city, as of May 24, is very close to its final two thresholds. With 29% of Hospital Beds and ICU Units available – the city is just 1% shy of the 30% requirements.

Latimer has stated that he expects the county to move to Phase 2 by June 1 and Phase 3 by June 15. Phase 2 of the NY Forward plan would allow retail and professional services businesses to fully reopen. Restaurants and food services would reopen under Phase 3 of the Cuomo plan. There is still no forecast for when the county would qualify for Phase 4 of the New York Forward Plan. Under Phase 4, arts, entertainment, recreation and educational organizations would reopen. However, we reported late last week that Caramoor has released dates for four live, low density, open-air public concerts beginning on July 18.

Here’s a more detailed look at what each of the reopening phases would look like.

Phase 1

The first phase of the NY Forward plan  includes reopening construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, wholesale trade and retail businesses. In this phase retail openings would be limited to curbside or in-store pick-up and drop off. The State has released mandatory guidelines for all Phase 1 businesses regarding physical distancing, protective equipment, hygiene and cleaning, communication, and screening. You can read them here. Phase 1 Retail includes:

• Clothing Stores
• Direct Selling Establishments
• Electronics and Appliance Stores
• Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses
• Furniture and Home Furnishing Stores
• Florists
• General Merchandise Stores
• Health and Personal Care Stores
• Jewelry, Luggage, and Leather Goods Stores
• Lawn and Garden Equipment and Supplies Stores
• Office Supplies, Stationery, and Gift Stores
• Used Merchandise Stores
• Shoe Stores
• Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument and Book Stores
• Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers

Phase 2

The second phase of the New York State plan would open up full economic activity for retail, professional services, administrative support, real estate and rental & leasing. Again, this could happen, according to Latimer by June 1.

Phase 3

Phase 3 is the opening of restaurants and food services – currently forecast for June 15.

Phase 4

The final phase of New York’s reopening plan would bring all arts, entertainment, recreation and education online. Latimer offered no guidance on when Phase 4 of New York’s re-opening plan would occur. (That means schools, theatre and summer camps. UGH!)

Happy reopening. Reopen safe!