Outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in Phase 2 of reopening
Even if it's no longer on the front pages, the COVID virus is still out there, and the threat to public health is far from over. The success we have achieved thus far is due to the actions of the people of New York who are making smart choices based on the facts. And our successes rest on the hard work of the nurses, the doctors, the essential workers and the frontline workers who stepped up to save lives. The battle is not over yet and we need to remain vigilant. Let's not blow it now.
Here's what else you need to know tonight:
1. Outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in Phase 2 of reopening. Restaurants in the seven regions that have already entered Phase 2 — the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York — can reopen for outdoor dining beginning tomorrow, June 4th. Outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart, all staff must wear face coverings and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.
2. Erie County is now eligible to resume elective surgeries and ambulatory care. The state will allow elective outpatient treatments to resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge in the near term, and a total of 52 counties can now resume elective surgeries (4 counties do not have hospitals).
3. The number of new COVID hospitalizations is dropping steadily. Total hospitalizations dropped to 2,978, from 3,121 the day before. Yesterday, we had 135 new COVID hospitalizations, down from 154 the day before.Yesterday 49 New Yorkers died of the virus — the lowest number since March.
4. A reminder that the State has a mental health hotline available for anyone who needs it. We cannot underestimate how a crisis can impact our mental health. Remember: You are never alone. For free emotional support, consultations and referrals to a provider, call 1-844-863-9314.
5. The Nourish NY program continues to connect farms will food banks. The state has spent over $2 million to date to purchase dairy and produce from NY farms and donate the products to food banks. So far, the initiative has redirected 3.7 million pounds of dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, that have made their way into 80,000 households with needs, as well as approximately 1 million pounds of produce. Almost 4,000 New York farms have participated in this initiative.
Tonight's "Deep Breath Moment": The organization "Teens Helping Seniors," which was started by two teens from Montgomery County, Maryland, is helping elderly individuals get groceries and supplies to minimize the risk of Coronavirus. With chapters in Albany and other cities across the country, the organization connects older individuals with volunteers to deliver groceries and other needs straight to their doorstep.
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