The Finger Lakes region, which includes Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties, has met all criteria put forth by New York State and is now beginning the process of phased reopening. The COVID-19 infection rate is sufficiently low; the health care system has the capacity to absorb a potential resurgence in new cases; diagnostic testing capacity is sufficiently high to detect and isolate new cases; and robust contact-tracing capacity is in place to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Per the state’s guidelines on what Phase One of reopening means, construction, manufacturing, retail (limited to curbside pickup), wholesale trade, agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting are all set to start the process of returning to normal. There are to be at least two weeks between phases of reopening to assess the impact reopening has on the infection rate.
“I’m excited that the initial road to economic recovery is underway with helping businesses and people get back to work,” Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) said. “As we follow the safety protocols set forth, and continue to get people back into the field and working again, we can only hope things improve going forward.”
Phase Two includes professional services, retail, administrative support, and real estate as well as rental and leasing. Restaurants and food services would be able to resume as part of Phase Three. Finally, arts, entertainment, recreation, and education would resume during Phase Four.
If there are any questions regarding the reopening process, individuals are encouraged to email flnyf@esd.ny.gov. Furthermore, anyone looking for more information on the reopening plan can visit https://forward.ny.gov/industries-reopening-phase to learn more.
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