Long Island, Hudson Valley To Enter Phase 4 Of Reopening Business

NEW YORK, NY —Long Island and the Hudson Valley will begin phase four of reopening businesses this week in the coronavirus era, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.

The Mid-Hudson region will enter the fourth phase Tuesday, followed by Long Island on Wednesday.

Phase four includes guidelines for higher education, low-risk indoor and outdoor arts and entertainment, media production and professional sports competitions with no fans in stadiums.

At his coronavirus briefing, Cuomo said no decision has been made on whether schools will be allowed to reopen in the fall. New York officials will make that decision based on data, he said. All school districts have been told to draft reopening plans. State health officials are drafting guidance so parents, students and teachers can prepare for the potential reopening of school.

Cuomo also announced the New York State Fair will be canceled this year. Moreover, officials are still reviewing data related to casinos and movie theaters. Both will remain closed until further notice.

The news comes as the state saw 1 percent of COVID-19 tests return positive. Nine people died of the disease, caused by the virus, Sunday. That includes eight people in hospitals and one in a nursing home.