New York City construction, retail and manufacturing businesses are poised to reopen June 8 with some restrictions after being shut down for more than two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The opening, announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, will begin phase one of the reopening plan in the city, which has been at the center of the global pandemic. Businesses reopening will be required to meet certain guidelines, including wearing face masks, social distancing and disinfecting areas. Retail stores will be limited to curb-side or in-store pickup or drop-off during the first phase.
Although Cuomo said the city is on track to meet its goals of decreasing cases of COVID-19, health officials warned there is usually a delay in newly reported cases, and that the mass protests in the city following the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minnesota may lead to a spike in cases that won’t be reported until weeks from now, according to CNBC, which could potentially lead to delays in the city’s planned reopening.
Other portions of New York State began reopening nonessential businesses in mid-May.
