JAMESTOWN – Western New York will officially enter phase three of reopening on Tuesday.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, while speaking during his daily press conference update at the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in Westchester Landing on Monday, says the region has met criteria to move into the phase.
The Governor also announced gatherings up to 25 will be permitted under the phase. Previously gatherings of only ten were allowed in New York State.
Cuomo did say however COVID-19 containment measures like wearing masks when in public need to continue.
“I am excited to announce we will move to Phase 3 tomorrow,” said PJ Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive. “Our responsible approach to reopening has proven effective, but we must remember that we are not completely clear so we still need to be cautious.”
In addition to the previously designated businesses, Phase 3 will allow the following businesses to reopen:
- Indoor dining at restaurants and food services; and
- Personal care services such as nail salons, UV and non-UV tanning, waxing, tattoo and piercing facilities, appearance enhancement practitioners, massage therapy, and spas.
Before Phase 3 businesses reopen, they must complete New York State’s guidance documents available at forward.ny.gov.
Guidance includes Summary Guidelines for employers and employees; Detailed Guidelines, which contain a business affirmation component; and a Business Safety Plan Template, which must be completed and posted at the premises.
The Forward NY website also provides guidance for Child Care and Day Camp Programs that are able to open statewide on June 29.
Businesses who have any questions about the guidance and reopening can contact the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) at (716) 661-8900 or Empire State Development (ESD) at (716) 846-8200.
The Western New York Region includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara Counties.
Related | Executive Continues To Answer Questions Ahead Of Phase Three Reopening
Businesses such as walmart, dollar generals etc are not enforcing the wear a mask law. It’s no different than no shirt no shoes no service and masks are law. As the governor said this law needs to be enforced at the local level to insure the vulnerable safety. Come on mayors, County Executive, our state representatives do your job to protect people in this county.
A Executive Order by the Governor is not Law, it is treated as such, and only until revoked or suspended. Further, a mask is only required at this time in the event a 6’ distance requirement cannot be maintained between people. What are we becoming, asking for an enforcement penalty or detainment for not complying with wearing a mask in public? If people are in such fear perhaps they themselves should impose self imprisonments rather than asking to impose their will on others