Gov. Andrew Cuomo today threatened businesses that don't comply with Covid-19 regulations, stating he will issue Executive Orders to increase the state's ability to enforce the laws aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.
The state and liquor authority will be able to swiftly suspend liquor licenses for bars and restaurants, Cuomo said, noting the authority will be able to issue immediate shutdown orders.
Cuomo said he will be issuing an Executive Order holding bars responsible for the sidewalk/area in front of their establishments as well.
The order comes as New York City is preparing to enter the phase 2 of reopening businesses.
In addition to the that he said, the state will soon issue to colleges and universities to allow some residential and face-to-face programming for the fall semester. Campuses must then develop a plan that includes measures they'll take to prevent the virus from spreading.
The news comes as the state continued to see record lows in the number of coronavirus hospitalizations and deaths. Cuomo said 29 more people died of the COVID-19 disease Wednesday, including 22 in hospitals and seven in nursing homes.