Another Region Begins Phase 4; Indoor Dining 'Problematic' In NYC

NEW YORK, NY — Western New York will begin the fourth phase of reopening businesses this week, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo cast doubt Monday about whether indoor dining will be allowed in New York City soon.

With western New York entering phase 4 of the NY Forward plan, just four regions have not: the Capital Region, Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island.

As New York City prepares to enter the third phase of reopening businesses next Monday, Cuomo delivered grim news for restaurant owners. Indoor dining has shown to be "problematic," he said. Research has shown that air conditioning systems may circulate the coronavirus and lead to outbreaks. Further, New York City has shown a lack of compliance, with people not social distancing or wearing masks in public, including on street corners and at bars.

Cuomo said he expects to make a decision by Wednesday about indoor dining in the city.

The governor also said state health officials will require large malls to install a special type of filter for air conditioners that can prevent the coronavirus from spreading. He also encouraged small businesses to consider doing the same.

"Malls and indoor dining are things that I'm concerned about, and we may consider slowing them down for next week," he said. "Not going backwards, but we may actually slow them down."

The news comes as the state saw seven people die Sunday from the COVID-19 disease. The three-day rolling average for deaths stands at eight.