Covid-19: Here Are Guidelines For Phase 2 With Long Island Days Away From Reopening

Under the guidelines set forth by the state, Long Island is on track to hit the required metrics to expand reopening efforts as of Wednesday, June 10, with businesses opening under strict guidelines.

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Businesses reopening for Phase 2 will only be permitted to reach 50 percent occupancy, social distancing will be required, and face coverings must be worn by employees.

Phase 2 includes office-based jobs, real estate, barbershops, salons, and expanded retail services.

Office-based jobs include:

• Professional services;
• Administrative support;
• Information technology.

Retail:

• In-store shopping;
• Rental, repair, and cleaning;
• Limited service barbershop and hair salons;
• Outdoor dining;
• Motor vehicle leasing, rental, and sales.

Real estate services:

• Building and property management;
• Leasing, rental, and sales services.

Under New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order issued earlier this year the following will remain closed in Phase 2:

• Indoor dining;
• Large gathering or event venus;
• In-person gyms, fitness centers, and exercise classes;
• Casinos;
• Movie theaters;
• Amusement parks.

Business owners with questions determining whether or not their business is eligible to reopen during Phase 2 can do so by checking the NY Forward business reopen lookup tool here.

The Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, and Western New York are currently in Phase 2. The mid-Hudson Valley will hit the benchmark on Tuesday, June 9, while Long Island is on pace to reach the required metrics on Wednesday.

New York City entered Phase 1 of reopening on Monday, June 8.

“We are back … we are back,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said during his daily COVID-19 briefing on Monday in New York City. “Not only are we back, but we went from the worst situation in the nation, frankly, one of the worst situations on the globe, to not only flattening the curve, but to bending the curve.

“Remember when we said we had to stop the increase? We didn’t just stop the increase, we brought the spread down dramatically when you look at where we are today,” he continued. “Here we are 100 days later, and we’re counting our decline while the rest of the country is still spiking. How remarkable is that.” 

A complete list of requirements for reopening businesses provided by the state has been provided here.

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