After New York implemented blanket shutdown orders in March that closed stores, shuttered offices and curtailed business at restaurants and bars, state officials set up a gradual process to restart the state’s economy and ease restrictions.
Under the state’s plan, regions of New York that show they have been able to effectively keep the virus contained can reopen sectors of the economy in four phases.
All phases of the reopening require New Yorkers to adhere to social distancing guidelines, including wearing masks or face coverings in crowded public spaces, on public or private transportation or in for-hire vehicles.
Here is a look at each of the four phases, and what can open when:
Phase 1
The entire state has hit the health and safety benchmarks required to enter Phase 1, the start of the reopening process. New York City was the last region to enter the phase, on June 8.
The nonessential businesses that are allowed to resume in this stage include:
- All construction sites, with safety equipment and temperature checks required
- Manufacturers
- Nonessential retail stores, for delivery, curbside and in-store pickup
- Wholesalers
- Outdoor businesses like drive-in movies, landscaping and gardening
Some of these businesses had already been operating during the state’s shutdown orders. Some construction work was deemed essential and continued, and many manufacturers, particularly those that made protective gear and medical equipment, had been open.
Restaurants and bars have been allowed to offer takeout and delivery throughout the pandemic.
Phase 2
Almost every region of the state has also moved into Phase 2.
New York City, the region hardest hit by the pandemic, will be the last to move into the second stage on June 22, officials said.
In this phase, several indoor businesses were allowed to reopen, but with limits on capacity, strict cleaning requirements and mandatory social distancing.
The nonessential businesses that are allowed to reopen in this phase include:
- Outdoor dining at restaurants
- Hair salons and barber shops, with their waiting areas closed
- Offices
- Real estate firms, inspections and in-person showings
- In-store retail (Malls may not open, but individual stores can provide curbside pickup and anchor tenants can open for in-store shopping.)
- Vehicle sales, leases and rentals
- Retail rental, repair services and cleaning services
- Commercial building management
Phase 3
Seven regions of Upstate and Central New York have been cleared to continue to Phase 3. Gatherings of up to 25 people (up from 10) are allowed in parts of the state that have entered this phase.
The additional nonessential businesses that are allowed to restart in this phase include:
- Indoor dining at restaurants with up to 50 percent capacity and tables spaced at least six feet away from each other; seating in bar areas is permitted, but only if six feet of distance can be maintained between parties
- Personal care services such as nail salons, massage parlors, spa services and tanning salons
- Some “low-risk” youth sports can begin on July 6.
Phase 4
No region of New York has yet been cleared by state officials to enter Phase 4, the last stage of the reopening outlined by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
In broad terms, officials have signaled that businesses that provide the arts, entertainment and recreation, as well as schools, will be allowed to open in this phase. But with no part of the state in it yet, officials have not been specific about what will be allowed.
Some of the businesses that have not been allowed to reopen during the first three phases of the process include:
- Event venues for large gatherings
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Casinos
- Movie theaters
- Amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, arcades, bowling alleys and other entertainment centers
Other Helpful Things to Know
State officials have also made determinations about how and when various other specific activities can proceed. Among the highlights:
- Veterinarians and dentists are allowed to open statewide.
- Hospitals and group homes — but not nursing homes — can accept visitors at their discretion as long as proper health and safety measures are in place.
- State parks, campgrounds and RV parks are open; marinas and boatyards are open for personal use; state beaches are open with certain restrictions.
- Outdoor school graduations of up to 150 people with social distancing will be allowed beginning June 26.
- Summer day camps may open June 29.
The New York Times
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