BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) – Governor Andrew Cuomo said some regions of New York will begin reopening this week. Cuomo made the announcement in his daily COVID briefing on Sunday.
Stay-at-home orders remain in effect for the state, but guidelines are set to expire this week.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks to reporters on Friday, May 1, 2020. (Credit: Dan Clark)
Cuomo said more details on what regions are eligible will be announced on Monday. “We’ll be going through it explicitly, but short answer is yes. There will be regions that are eligible on the 15th.”
Guidelines for reopening include the rate of infection, hospital capacity and the ability for local governments to ensure social distancing measures are followed.
On Saturday, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar tweeted that the Southern Tier has met the criteria for phase one of reopening.
This includes construction, manufacturing and retail curbside pick-up. Garnar added it’s important to maintain social distancing and keep wearing masks.
Cuomo is also putting pressure on nursing homes to ensure they are offering proper care to residents.
“So what does this mean? If they don’t have enough staff. If they don’t have enough PPE. If their facility does not provide for proper isolation and quarantine. Whatever it is,” Cuomo explained, adding that facilities will lose their license if they don’t comply.
The Southern Tier has been a hotbed for nursing home concerns related to COVID-19. In recent weeks, Chemung and Steuben Counties have conducted mass testing to stop the spread of the virus.