Regional Approach Today at a press conference organized by Governor Cuomo and the Governors of NJ, CT, PA, DE and RI, they announced a working group consisting of three representatives of each state (an economic development advisor, healthcare advisor and each Governor’s Chief of Staff) to formulate guidelines for a regional plan to reopen the economy.  The working group is set to begin meeting as early as tomorrow.  Beyond announcing formation of the working group, no details were provided in terms [...]

School and Business Closures - Addressing yesterday’s confusion about the continued closure of New York City schools

New York City School Closure Confusion Earlier today, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City’s schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year.  In response, Governor Cuomo disputed the Mayor’s authority to issue this order.  The Governor stated that there has been no official decision on closing the City’s schools and that any decision should be coordinated with the larger metropolitan region that includes Long Island and Westchester County; preferably, such a decision also [...]

New York State Flattening the Curve… Currently New York State officials are “cautiously optimistic” that the novel coronavirus infection rate is slowing.  The three-day average for hospitalizations has declined from recent weeks, and yesterday there was a net decrease in ICU (intensive care unit) admissions for the first time.  Governor Cuomo believes the State is “flattening the curve” for COVID-19 hospitalizations, but that we must continue the “New York State on PAUSE” business and social protocols to continue this promising trend. [...]