Interstate Travel Advisory At a press conference today, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and announced a “joint incoming travel advisory.”  The travel advisory would affect all individuals traveling from states with “significant community spread” of COVID-19, requiring them to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. In this case the term “significant community spread” would be defined as “a state with a positive test rate [...]

New York City Cleared for Phase 2 Reopening on Monday, June 22nd New York City officially has been cleared by data experts to begin Phase 2 of the New York Forward reopening process on Monday, June 22nd.  New York State COVID-19 Numbers On average, New York State lost 25 lives daily during this past week.  While painfully high, this is the lowest such figure since the pandemic began.

Criminal Justice Reform As State localities have been instructed to begin reevaluating their local police forces, the Governor has pointed to an expanded list of question that should be answered to help direct this initiative. Reopening Continues Governor Cuomo stated that with the probably sign off of the New York State as well as international experts that are scrutinizing the current data, that New York City businesses should be prepared to move to Phase 2 on this coming Monday June 22. [...]

End of Governor Cuomo Daily Press Briefing Today Governor Cuomo announced that with the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic and continuously dropping infection rate in the State that he would be holding his last routine daily press briefing this Friday, June 19th. This will bring an end to a now routine press briefing and availability that has occurred for more than 100 consecutive days for the Governor. Reopening Continues The Governor announced today that the Hudson Valley region comprised of [...]

Phase 3 Reopenings Western New York today began Phase 3 of the New York Forward reopening process.  The Capital Region officially has been cleared by data experts to begin Phase 3 tomorrow, June 17th. Hospitals and Group Homes Permitted to Accept Visitors New York State is permitting hospitals and group homes statewide to accept visitors at their discretion.  Any facility that chooses to allow visitors must follow State guidelines, including time-limited visits and requiring visitors to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) [...]

Low-Risk Youth Sports Permitted in Phase 3 Regions Beginning July 6th Low-risk youth sports can begin on July 6th in regions that have begun Phase 3 of reopening.  Up to two spectators per child will be allowed.  Permitted sports include: baseball, softball, gymnastics, field hockey, cross country, and crew. Governor Warns Bars and Restaurants to Follow Reopening Guidelines In the wake of many reported social distancing violations, Governor Cuomo reminded bars and restaurants that any violations of reopening rules and guidelines [...]

Phase 3 Reopening Five regions in New York State today began Phase 3 of the New York Forward reopening process – the North Country, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, and the Southern Tier.  These regions are eligible for restaurants/food service in both indoor and outdoor settings while still adhering to the appropriate industry guidance. In addition, businesses that fall within the “Personal Care” industry such as nail salons and massage parlors will be able to open while following their [...]

Reopening Today Governor Cuomo announced that five regions are eligible to move on to Phase 3 of the New York Forward reopening process tomorrow: North CountyFinger LakesCentral NYMohawk ValleySouthern Tier These regions moving on to Phase 3 will now be eligible for restaurants/food service in both indoor and outdoor settings while still adhering to the appropriate industry guidance. In addition to this, businesses that fall within the “Personal Care” industry such as nail salons and massage parlors will also be able [...]

The New LaGuardia Airport Terminal Today Governor Cuomo held his daily press conference in the freshly opened Terminal B Arrival and Departures Hall of LaGuardia Airport. The full project was started in 2015 and with this morning’s opening of the 840,000 square foot terminal, it more than doubled the size or its predecessor. During construction the airport created 14,000 jobs both directly and indirectly and when fully operational and staffed it will employee over 1,500 people. The Terminal will be home [...]

Legislative Police Reform Plan Today New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie held a press conference in Albany and announced the Assembly’s plan to pass a legislative package this week that would “Protect New Yorkers, improve police and community relations, and bring transparency and accountability to the criminal justice system” Governor Cuomo indicated today during his daily press conference that the legislative package that the Assembly has announced was put together in conjunction with the Senate as well as his own [...]