The Peru Gazette

Right now, we need to be cautious. I know businesses are anxious to open and we all want to get the economy going but we need to be careful — we can’t make a mistake today that wipes out our hard-earned progress. COVID remains a public health threat and we are seeing worrying spikes in over twenty states. Data from California, Florida, Texas, Arizona and elsewhere show the virus is still spreading fast.

New York is one of the exceptions. As our state reopens, the numbers continue to look good. That’s because we are taking a careful approach to reopening and relying on numbers and data to guide us. But more importantly, it’s because New Yorkers have been smart and we’ve been diligent. New Yorkers are informed, we understand the facts and we have acted responsibly. But we all need to remain vigilant to avoid the spikes other states are experiencing.

Chart of the Day: As New York conducts more daily testing, we are finding fewer people positive for COVID-19. A good sign.

1. Five regions will enter Phase 3 of reopening tomorrow. Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier have been cleared by experts to enter the next phase. Phase 3 allows indoor restaurant and food services and personal care services, including nail salons, spas and tattoo and piercing facilities, to resume. Each industry is subject to specific state guidelines that maximize safety and social distancing. Business guidance for Phase 3 of the state’s reopening plan is available here.

2. Starting today, localities can open public pools and playgrounds at their discretion. They must use health data and metrics as a guide to inform each decision.

3. The total number of COVID hospitalizations continues to decline. Total hospitalizations fell to 2,042, from 2,190 the day before. Sadly, we lost 36 New Yorkers to the virus.

4. Following a spike in domestic violence cases, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa today issued a report outlining the COVID-19 Domestic Violence Task Force’s initial recommendations to reimagine New York’s approach to services for domestic violence survivors. The recommendations, which I have accepted, call for overhauling and reimagining a 40-year-old system to meet survivors where they are and to empower them to have the maximum control of their future. Read the full report by the task force here.

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: In East Windsor, NJ, Greg Dailey has used his service as a newspaper delivery man to help senior citizens in his neighborhood. Over the past two months, Mr. Dailey has made over 500 grocery runs and has offered his service to pick up necessities free of charge.

Ever Upward,

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo