Governor gives OK for Orleans, Finger Lakes to reopen in Phase 3 on Friday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 11 June 2020 at 11:51 am

Governor Andrew Cuomo today said Orleans County and the Finger Lakes Region can enter into Phase 3 of the state’s reopening on Friday.

Orleans is one of nine counties in the Finger Lakes Region. The region’s health numbers with Covid-19 hospitalizations, including people in intensive care, are well within the state’s threshold for moving into the next phase.

The governor said five of the 10 regions – Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Central New York, Mohawk Valley and North Country – will advance to Phase 3.

Phase 3 would allow restaurants to serve patrons inside the buildings, up to 50 percent of the restaurants capacity, with tables be spaced at least 6 feet apart, employees wearing masks and taking other safety precautions against Covid-19.

Phase 3 would also allow for tattoos, nail salons, spas and some other personal care businesses.

“I know businesses are anxious to get going,” Cuomo said. “I know everybody is anxious to get the economy going.”

He said businesses need to follow the state guidelines for taking precautions against Covid-19.

“The rules are clear,” Cuomo said. “Follow the rules. You can lose your liquor license, your right to operate.”

The governor also said state-wide local municipalities today can decide whether they want to open community pools and playgrounds.

He said New York residents deserve the credit for bending the Covid-19 curve, by adhering to social distancing, wearing a mask and taking other precautions.

He said the coronavirus remains the public health threat.

“Covid is still out there,” he said. “It is increasing in 21 states.”

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