Update Tues 4:03pm: The Governor's office announced that malls, gyms, movie theaters and amusement parks will not be opening as part of Phase 4. Over the coming weeks and months there are expected to be decisions made on which specific businesses can re-open.
Update Tues. 12:41pm: According to the Times Union, gyms and fitness centers may not open during Phase 4. Fitness Center managers say they've received no guidance from the state on the re-opening process. In addition, it is still up in the air as to when concert venues and sporting venues can begin operating again. More clarification is expected this week.
Update 10:22PM: Although no solid date has been set on when malls will re-open, in a Facebook post ViaPort Rotterdam says they are planning for an early July date.
Although there have been no indications whether it will happen on time or be postponed, July 1st is earliest day Phase 4 could begin in the Capital Region. Coronavirus numbers continue to plummet in the area and New York State as a whole.
Phase 4 is the final phase of the state's re-opening process, albeit with restrictions and social distancing rules. Allowed to open in the final phase will be:
- Schools/Colleges/Universities
- Casinos
- Aquariums
- Movie Theaters
- Comedy Clubs
- Amusement Parks
- Bowling Alleys
- Gyms
- Museums
Capacity will be limited to 50 percent, masks must be worn by employees and six feet of social distancing must be enforced.
Still unclear is what phase malls will be allowed to open their doors. Shop owners and politicians were pushing for malls to be part of Phase 3, but so far only stores with with direct outdoor access have been allowed to re-open while interior stores remain closed.
[New York Times] [Times Union]
photo: Susan Dennis, Flickr Creative Commons