Long Island News Post Published on May, 6th 2020
Written by Nick P
As recently reported, select areas of New York State are expected to reopen beginning May 15th. Many residents in Long Island Towns were hopeful that this meant we would be able to get back to life as we know it starting mid-May, however, the numbers are simply not indicating that as a likely possibility.
Governor Cuomo has laid out a series of benchmarks that need to be met in order to reopen that area of the state. There are a total of 7 metrics that need to be met to begin phase 1 of reopening an area. Unfortunately, Long Island is currently meeting the least of these requirements from all areas of New York State with only 2 out of 7 benchmarks met. The second least, is New York City with 4 of 7.
What Criteria Does Long Island Need To Meet To Re-Open?
The state has put a benchmark system in place that will determine the safety of reopening the area. The benchmark system will work alongside a four phase system of reopening industries based off perceived risk and reward.
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.
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.
Decline in New Hospitalizations: A region must have fewer than two new COVID-19 patients per 100,000 residents per day.
Hospital Bed Availability: Hospitals can’t be filled to more than 70% capacity – including ICU beds – leaving 30% available in the event of a surge.
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.
The only benchmarks that Long Island is currently meeting is the hospitalization and testing requirements. This signals that we still have some time before we can expect to enter Phase 1 of reopening.
In addition to these stringent requirements that need to be met before an area can reopen, individual businesses will be responsible for ensuring a safe work environment and the ability to track cases.
Things to expect when businesses re-open include many of the Social Distancing Guidelines that are put in place now. For example, it is likely that many businesses will require both customers and staff to wear protective masks and keep a distance of 6 feet away from other people.
Additionally, there will likely be limits on the amount of customers allowed in the store at once. As a result, we can expect to see many businesses offering curbside pick up of orders to help reduce the amount of foot traffic in store.
When Will I Be Able to open My Long Island Business
The state has divided its reopening process based off of the industry businesses are in and the risk/reward trade off of reopening. In other words, the more essential the business is, the sooner it will open. Keep an eye on the amount of Coronavirus Cases Per Long Island Towns to be aware of when the amount of new cases start to decline in your area.
This means that we still have a way to go before we see any of our favorite entertainment returning in the New York and Long Island area. Concerts will be some of the last things to return, and many acts have already pulled out of their 2020 Jones Beach Concert.
Many people are anxiously awaiting to return to their favorite Long Island restaurants and bars. The list categorizes restaurants in phase 3 of re opening, with no time table with how long it will take to reach that phase. Furthermore, restaurants will likely be subject to reduced overall capacity with limits on the amount of tables they are able to see simultaneously.
The 4 Phases to Reopen New York State and Long Island
The predetermined phases of reopening based on industry are outlined below:
Phase 1: Construction, manufacturing and wholesale supply chain, select retail with curbside pickup.
Phase 2: Professional services, finance and insurance, retail administrative support, real estate/rental leasing.
Phase 3: Restaurants/food services, hotels/accommodations.
Phase 4: Arts/entertainment/recreation/education.
This predetermined sequence of reopening businesses may be disappointing for some, as recreation and entertainment are the last segments of the economy to reopen. However, it is always important to look on the bright side. The more responsible Long Island Communities are to adhering to Social Distancing Guidelines, the fast we will be able to complete the process of reopening Long Island.
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Long Island News Post Published May 6th, 2020
Written by Nick P
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