BUFFALO, N.Y. — Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday the Western New York region will enter Phase 3 of New York State's reopening plan on Tuesday.
Phase 3 includes the reopening of personal care services, indoor dining with limitations and gatherings of up to 25 people.
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, who is leading Western New York's regional reopening, held a press conference Monday evening at Tappo Pizza to further discuss Phase 3. During the press conference the lieutenant governor congratulated Western New York and applauded the efforts of local businesses for making their establishments safe for customers and employees.
"It's not easy," Hochul said. "They're coming out of a long slumber that they never expected. But they're anxious to make sure their environments, their establishments like this [Tappo Pizza] are safe."
The lieutenant governor says local businesses are part of Western New York's identity and charm, saying she is calling on all Western New Yorkers to come out and support local restaurants and shops.
However things will be different when people return to dining inside. The state has strict guidelines that restaurants must follow.
Restaurants must reduce their occupancy by 50 percent excluding employees. All tables must be six feet apart and only seat 10 people at a table. Employees must wear face coverings at all times and customers must wear them while not seated at a table.
"We have a lot of safety precautions" said Developer Rocco Termini of Tappo Pizza. "All of the tables and chairs get sterilized every time somebody leaves. We offer people the choice of having paper plates, plastic forks, plastic cups, we have disposable menus."
Hochul says Phase 3 is about bringing people's livelihood back, but she says it's important now more than ever to continue to wear masks, social distance and disinfect your hands. She added that New York does not want to end up like the other 22 states that opened too early.
The lieutenant governor says Western New York will hopefully begin Phase 4 in two weeks; however, Hochul stressed that things will not be back to normal just yet. Hochul says there is still too much that is unknown about the spread of COVID-19, but she is hopeful that Phase 4 will allow for somewhat larger gatherings.
The Western New York region includes Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. The Finger Lakes region, which includes Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties was able to enter Phase 3 last week.
Hochul issued the following statement Monday prior to the press conference:
“As Regional Head of Western New York’s reopening, I'm proud that Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced our region is entering Phase 3 tomorrow. Indoor food services at restaurants and personal care businesses, like nail salons and spas, will be allowed to reopen providing a much-needed boost for many small business owners. Gatherings of up to 25 people will also be allowed. We've come a long way – and thanks to everyone's efforts, our region continues to responsibly reopen businesses and build back better than ever before.
However, we must remember that this is not a return to normal as this virus is still in our communities. Let's continue with best practices we know to reduce the spread of the virus. We cannot afford to lose our momentum like we are seeing in other states – it's important to continue wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, and practicing social distancing. Our actions will help keep New Yorkers healthy and safe, and move the region closer to Phase 4.
Throughout each phase, I have visited small businesses across Western New York . I have seen such a spirit of optimism and hope – our businesses are ready to take the necessary steps to keep their customers and workers safe. Now, it's on all of us – we must support them and make sure they have the resources they need to survive, and thrive.
I congratulate my fellow Western New Yorkers for successfully reducing the spread of COVID. I also thank the regional control room members for their hard work and dedication in making sure we follow the science and data as we reopen in a smart and safe manner."
