Gov. Cuomo delays Phase 2 reopen for New York areas, outraging officials

Pissed off upstate officials and companies are demanding that Gov. Andrew Cuomo permit them to right away start Phase 2 of their financial reopening following the two-month shutdown triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

5 upstate areas in Phase 1 have been anticipated to start out Phase 2 enlargement Friday — however the governor provoked a firestorm of criticism Thursday when he delayed making a call to maneuver ahead.

The governor issued an govt order Thursday evening that didn’t advance any of the areas from Phase 1 to Phase 2.

Phase 2 would permit hundreds of retail shops, hair salons and barbershops to reopen their doorways to clients. Phase 1 permitted the return of building jobs and manufacturing.

Montgomery County Govt Matt Ossenfort mentioned he was “shocked and annoyed” by the delay as a result of the Mohawk Valley met the entire state’s seven well being metrics to maneuver ahead.

“Many Montgomery County residents have frolicked and sources making ready to reopen tomorrow and  a lot of you’ve been wanting ahead to experiencing easy issues reminiscent of a haircut,” Ossenfort mentioned.

Cuomo, when requested on WAMC radio Thursday about when areas might increase to Phase 2, mentioned, “The reopening within the first 5 areas ends tomorrow. When the reopening of Phase 1 ends, we’ll give the consultants all the information. It’s posted on the internet however allow them to analyze it. And if they are saying we should always transfer ahead, we’ll transfer ahead.

“How many individuals are getting sick, what the an infection charge, what’s the transmission charge, what’s the hospitalization charge, what’s the contact tracing charge, what’s the testing charge, all the information factors. And we analyze it after which we give it to the worldwide consultants. And we’re going to ask them to research it and in the event that they log off and say go to Phase 2, andiamo,” the governor mentioned, utilizing the Italian phrase that means “Let’s go.”

Cuomo will talk about when Phase 2 can start at his press briefing Friday.

New York Metropolis, the hardest-hit area by COVID-19, has not but met the metrics to even qualify for Phase 1. Solely companies deemed important — reminiscent of grocery shops, drugstores and takeout eateries — are open.

Unfold of the virus remains to be a priority. Cuomo issued an order permitting companies to take away any clients not carrying a masks.