Cuomo announces action plan for small businesses as NYC records spike in infection rates
As COVID-19 infection rates spike in some New York City neighborhoods, Governor Andrew Cuomo, has announced new action plan to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
While announcing the action plan in a statement on Wednesday October 7, 2020, Cuomo announced that an action plan has been designed to implement restrictions in three zones identified by the State— red, orange, yellow.
According to the statement, all the New York City public schools and nonpublic schools in the red zone must close and return to full remote learning.
It adds that “All nonessential businesses are required to close.
“Only essential businesses as designated by New York State Empire State Development Corporation can remain open.
“Restaurants, bars, cafes and other food service establishments can provide takeout and delivery service only. No indoor or outdoor dining is allowed.”
While stating that houses of worsship remain open at 25% capacity, non-essential gatherings of any size are prohibited and must be postponed or cancelled.
It warns that any individual who encourages, promotes or organizes mass gatherings may be fined up to $15,000/day
In the orange zone, all public schools and nonpublic schools must close and return to full remote learning.
The statement maintains that businesses including gyms and fitness centers, and personal care services, including barbers, hair salons, spas, tattoo or piercing parlors, nail technicians and nail salons, cosmetologists, estheticians, the provision of laser hair removal and electrolysis, etc. must close.
“Restaurants, bars, cafes and other food service establishments can provide outdoor dining and takeout and delivery service only.
“There is a four-person maximum per table. No indoor dining is allowed,” the statement says.
All houses of houses of worship within this zone will remain open at 33% capacity, up to a maximum of 25 people, whichever is fewer.
Non-essential gatherings are also banned in this zone.
Cuomo in a statement said all nonessential gatherings must be limited to no more than 10 people for both indoor and outdoor settings.
He stated that any individual who encourages, promotes or organizes mass gatherings may be fined up to $15,000/day
He stated further that all New York City public schools and nonpublic schools in the Yellow zone may remain open.
He explained that testing guidance will be issued by New York State on Friday October 10, 2020.
Cuomo said businesses may remain open with total compliance with the COVID-19 requirements for their sector.
“Indoor and outdoor dining is allowed. There is a four-person maximum per table,” he said in a statement.
He, however, noted that houses of worship may remain open at 50% maximum capacity.
Cuomo also warned that non-essential gatherings must be limited to 25 people maximum for both indoor and outdoor settings.
He said that any individual who encourages, promotes or organizes mass gatherings may be fined up to $15,000/day
Guidance for All New Yorkers
The governor therefore reiterated that Yorkers can take some simple steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He implored New Yorkers to stay home, especially those who are ill, except for essential medical care or other essential errands.
He added that every New Yorker should maintain at least 6-foot social distancing.
“Do not attend large gatherings, especially indoor gatherings.
“Remember to keep a safe distance between you and others even when wearing a face covering.
“Practice healthy hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; clean frequently touched surfaces regularly; avoid touching your face with unwashed hands; and cover coughs and sneezes with your arm, not your hands.
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