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 17^th.

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) and be subject to symptom and temperature checks. 

Hospitals statewide can provide visitation immediately.  Group homes certified by the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be allowed to accept visitors beginning Friday, June 19^th, provided they adhere to State guidance and certify compliance to OPWDD prior to commencing visitation.

The prohibition on nursing home visitors remains in place as the NYS Department of Health continues to review that situation.

NYS Senate Republican Leader Flanagan Retiring

NYS Senate Republican Leader John Flanagan is retiring from the Senate effective June 28^th, to “pursue an opportunity in the private sector.”  We wish Leader Flanagan good luck in his future endeavors.

Law Enforcement Legislation Enacted

Governor Cuomo today signed two law enforcement bills:

• Requiring all New York State Police officers to wear body cameras while on patrol (S.8493/A.8674)
• Creating the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office (S.3595-C/A.10002)

U.S Open Tennis Tournament Occurring in September

The Governor today announced the U.S. Open tennis tournament will be held in Queens, without fans, from August 31^st to September 13^th. The U.S. Tennis Association will take precautions to protect players and staff, including robust testing, additional cleaning, extra locker room space, and dedicated housing and transportation.

New York City

Mayor de Blasio stated New York City should be ready to move into Phase 2 next week, but only if the COVID indicators/thresholds are met. The City will work with the State and make a decision about the City entering Phase 2.

NYC Pools / Beaches: The City is training 600 lifeguards now, but the Mayor is not ready to announce the reopening of city pools and beaches.

Macy’s Fireworks: The 4th of July fireworks plan is being discussed and an announcement should be made in the coming days.

New York State COVID-19 Numbers

New York State is maintaining the lowest number of hospitalizations and deaths since the pandemic began.  That said, there still were 25 deaths yesterday from COVID-19.