As COVID-19 continues to be a global pandemic, states are figuring out ways to reopen the economy if they haven’t already. In the tristate, some areas have begun transitioning into opening up businesses and certain public spaces.
Connecticut began to reopen on May 20. Offices and stores can operate at 50 percent capacity and restaurants can offer outdoor seating. Servers must wear a mask and gloves at all times unless when they’re eating. Stores and malls in Connecticut must also maintain a capacity of 50 percent and adopt stringent cleaning procedures.
Hair salons and barbershops may reopen June 1. Gov. Ned Lamont said the second phase will begin June 20, where indoor restaurants (except bars) will be allowed to re-open, as well as educational/community services. K-12 summer school will open July 6 and some graduate programs in July and August.
In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced there are five regions in the state – Central New York, North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mohawk Valley, that have met the metrics required to reopen May 15. In this phase, construction, manufacturing, retail (curbside pickup), agriculture, forestry, and fishing can reopen. New York City, nonessential businesses remain closed. Cuomo plans on leaving two weeks in between phases to monitor the impact.
Two Westchester County beaches will open this weekend to residents only. The beaches, at Playland Park in Rye and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, will be open with reduced capacity from Friday through Monday, county officials said in a statement. Only residents with a Westchester address, a county park pass or a driver’s license can enter. Beachgoers must wear a mask and maintain social distance. NYC beaches remain closed.
In New Jersey, state parks, golf courses, and county parks reopened May 2. Gov. Phil Murphy announced the “Road Back” plan in April but it didn’t have dates implanted yet. On April 27, Murphy announced a “Road Back” plan, which did not name dates for when other restrictions would be lifted, but instead laid out principles to put in place before reopening. This includes 14-days of declining new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations and expanding the state’s capacity to test for the disease. On May 6, Murphy said he was extending a public health emergency declaration for 30 days.
Retail stores could operate with curbside pickup as of May 25. Some towns on the Jersey Shore reopened beaches Saturday ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Gov. Phil Murphy said boat rentals and fishing charters can resume May 24. There’s also a drive-in comedy show in Atlantic City every Saturday. It’s $10 and free for first responders and health-care workers who answered RSVPs. The event is at the John King Memorial parking lot located on Tennessee Avenue.