Cuomo: Some Upstate Businesses May Reopen In May

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said April 26 parts of upstate New York could reopen as soon as May 15.

Although not good news for Suffolk County, it was an indication that COVID-19 numbers are dropping to the point where a return to normalcy is being discussed. The statewide death toll  April 25 was 367, the lowest it’s been in a month. The number of new hospitalizations also fell to just above 1000, continuing a downward trend. Cuomo cautioned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that novel coronavirus hospitalizations must decline for 14 days before he can consider lifting the restrictions.

Downstate numbers, though falling, are “problematic,” the governor said, and too high to consider lifting his PAUSE order — the shutdown of nonessential businesses.

“We’re going to reopen in phases,” Cuomo said. “Phase one of reopening will involve construction and manufacturing activities, and within construction and manufacturing, those businesses that have a low risk.”

rmurphy@indyeastend.com