Long Island News Post Published on June, 5th 2020, Written by Nick P.
NY Governor Cuomo has given a boost to Long Island Restaurants when they begin the second phase of their reopening process. Restaurant owners have made their voices heard in a request for the ability to seat guests outdoors.
Cuomo finally responded to the requests from restaurant owners and local elected officials when he announced he would give them permission to do so. Phase 2 is expected to begin on June 4th in some regions of New York that meet the criteria.
Although Cuomo has stated he has been in support of outdoor dining, he did not make an official statement on the subject until today.
What Procedure Will Long Island Restaurants Have To Follow?
All restaurants in New York will have to follow the same set of procedures upon reopening. This will include New York City, which is still waiting to begin Phase 1.
Restaurants who are approved for outdoor dining will have to seat guests at tables with at least 6 feet between them. Employees will be required to wear a mask or face covering. Customers are expected to wear face coverings as well when they are not seated.
What Is The Criteria For Phase 2?
Since Long Island has now quietly been in Phase 1 for some time, leaving many people wondering what's next. To proceed to the next Phase we must meet the same series of benchmarks listed below. Governors Cuomo's initial prediction was that it would take about 2 weeks to progress from Phase 1 to Phase 2
All of these benchmarks need to be met before progressing from one phase to the next as well.
Decline in New Hospitalizations: According to CDC guidelines, a region has to have at least 14 days of decline in total hospitalizations and deaths on a three day rolling average.
The Decline in Hospital Fatalities: Regions with few COVID-19 cases can not have 15 new cases or five deaths on a three-day rolling average.
Sufficient Staff Protection: All hospitals must have a 90-day stockpile of Personal Protection Equipment.
Sufficient Testing: There must be 30 tests per 1,000 residents ready to go.
Sufficient Contact Tracing Data: Regions must have 30 contact tracers for every 100,000 residents.
When Will Long Island Restaurants Have Indoor Seating?
Restaurants are expected to resume regular operations in Phase 3 of reopening. This will take some time, as we still have not started Phase 2. However, the bright side for restaurant owners is that they will likely be jam-packed for weeks upon reopening as everyone is looking to enjoy their favorite food.
We encourage you to support your favorite Long Island restaurant when they reopen!
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Long Island News Post Published June 5th, 2020
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