Death Benefits for Frontline workers Today Governor Cuomo announced that the state and local governments will provide death benefits for public employees who die from COVID-19 during this emergency. Governor Cuomo also called on the Federal government to show their support to all frontline workers by providing back hazard pay to such workers. Legislative Session When asked about the legislatures plan to come back into session this week, the Governor indicated that he is happy they are coming back but was wary [...]

Campgrounds and RV Parks Can Reopen Tomorrow Governor Cuomo today announced that campgrounds and RV parks can reopen statewide tomorrow, May 25. Veterinarians Permitted to Reopen on Tuesday The Governor announced that veterinarian practices will be able to open in all regions beginning on Tuesday, May 26. Preparing for Long Island Reopening The Governor reiterated that Long Island could begin Phase 1 of New York State’s reopening process on Wednesday, May 27, if its number of COVID-19 deaths continues to decrease [...]

Eased Restrictions on Gatherings Pursuant to Executive Order 202.33, issued by Governor Cuomo last night, New York State now is permitting any non-essential gathering of ten or less individuals, for any lawful purpose or reason, provided that people adhere to the social distancing protocols and cleaning and disinfection protocols required by the NYS Department of Health.  This directive is in effect through June 21. Update on Mid-Hudson and Long Island Regional Reopenings The Mid-Hudson region has met the criteria for the [...]

Long Island and Mid-Hudson Regions on Track for Phase 1 Reopening Next Week Governor Cuomo today stated that the Long Island and Mid-Hudson regions are on track to begin Phase 1 of New York State’s reopening process next week.  Reopening will be permitted if the number of deaths continues to decrease and the required contact tracing benchmark is reached.  Anticipating this reopening, the Governor announced that construction staging can begin in these regions. Legislative Session Scheduled for Next Week According to [...]

Summer School During today’s press conference, Governor Cuomo announced summer school would be conducted via distance learning. He further added the State will issue guidelines in early June requiring schools to come up with a plan to prepare to open for the Fall semester. District plans will have to submitted to the State in July for approval to open in September.  Sales Tax Deadline Moved Governor Cuomo announced the New York State sales tax filing deadline, which was moved to May [...]

Preliminary Regional Testing Results Today Governor Cuomo announced that the first round of the preliminary regional antibody test results have been delivered and they are showing an increasing amount in the average number of individuals positive in lower income and minority communities. Of the 8,000 total tests performed across all five boroughs as well as Long Island, 27% of the individuals tested positive for the COVID-19 antibody with the Bronx showing the highest positive rate of 34%, and specifically the Morrisania [...]

Capital Region to Begin Phase 1 Reopening Tomorrow Governor Cuomo announced that tomorrow, May 20th, the Capital Region will become the seventh region in New York State to begin Phase 1 of the State’s reopening process.  The final hurdle was cleared when the region identified a sufficient number of contact tracers. Memorial Day Celebrations The Governor announced that the State will allow Memorial Day ceremonies that have 10 people or less.  Local governments will have the final decision on whether ceremonies [...]

Western New York Region to Begin Phase 1 Governor Cuomo announced today that tomorrow, May 19th, the Western New York region will become the sixth region in the State to begin with phase one of the reopening process. The region had originally been over 300 people shy of the needed 521 tracers, but they have been able to identify enough tracers to pass that last benchmark over the last 24 hours. Reopening Updates The Governor revisited his recent priority of mandating [...]

Western New York and Capital Region Closer to Phase 1 Reopening  Western New York and the Capital Region currently have satisfied 6 of 7 metrics to qualify for Phase 1 of New York State’s reopening process.  In both regions, contact tracing capacities must be increased.  Governor Cuomo today said that the State is working with those regions to meet the required benchmark and he is optimistic that reopening can begin in both locations soon. Facilitating Diagnostic Testing for New Yorkers The [...]