TOPLINE
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a press conference on Friday that his state is coming “close” to the bottom of the curve, with five regions now set to begin a phase 2 reopening.
Most of the states regions have begun a phase 1 reopening.
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KEY FACTS
The number of coronavirus hospitalizations, intubations and new cases were all down again on Friday, Cuomo said, which continues to be good news.
Another 67 New Yorkers died from the virus, which is down from 74 deaths in the previous day.
The daily death toll continues to decline, hitting its “lowest level ever,” Cuomo said. “We hope and we pray that continues to be the case.”
5 New York regions will now enter a phase 2 reopening, Cuomo confirmed on Friday: “Their data has been reviewed and the experts say to us it’s safe to move forward.”
A phase 2 reopening includes all office-based jobs, real estate services and retail—like barbershops and in-store shopping.
The New York City region, which will be “more complicated” to reopen, is on track to enter phase 1 on June 8, Cuomo said.
Key background
Gov. Cuomo announced a new executive order on Thursday that allows businesses to deny entry to customers who don’t wear masks or face coverings.
What to watch for
Almost all of New York’s regions, except for New York City, have so far qualified for a phase 1 reopening after meeting criteria for seven metrics outlined by state health officials.
Further reading
Cuomo Will Let New York Businesses Deny Service To Customers Without Masks (Forbes)
New York Reports Lowest Number Of Coronavirus Deaths As Two More Regions Reopen (Forbes)
New York Coronavirus Deaths Fall To Less Than 100 Per Day (Forbes)
Cuomo: Five New York Regions To Begin Reopening Today (Forbes)
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