7th NY Region Reopening; Small Memorial Day Ceremonies OK

MANHASSET, NY — A seventh New York region can begin phase one of reopening businesses and the state said it will allow localities to hold Memorial Day ceremonies with gatherings of up to 10 people.

At his daily coronavirus briefing Tuesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivered "good news" amid a "bittersweet reality," as the state continued to see downward trend in coronavirus-related hospitalizations, intubations, intensive care admissions and deaths.

The Capital Region satisfied its tracing requirement and can begin phase one of reopening May 20, Cuomo said. Long Island, Mid-Hudson and New York City will remain closed for nonessential business, as the regions satisfied five, four and three of the state's seven metrics, respectively.

Additionally, Cuomo said local governments can decide whether to have the small ceremonies for the holiday, an annual day of remembrance that honors those who died serving the United States during peace and war. He said he hopes the events will be televised and that vehicle parades are both appropriate and "should be encouraged."

"This is important to many, many families all across this state and the nation," Cuomo said.

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Memorial Day is an important American tradition and we want to safely honor our veterans.

The state will allow ceremonies with 10 people or less, at the discretion of local governments.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 19, 2020

Speaking from the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset, Cuomo said 105 people died of the COVID-19 disease: 85 in hospitals and 20 in nursing homes. The number of new, daily cases has fallen to about 300 a day. Most of those are people who are at home and not working.

Meanwhile, the number of children and young people infected with a toxic shock-like syndrome related to the virus climbed to 137, his top aide told reporters.

"I think it's going to be worse before it gets better," Cuomo said, emphasizing he believes many more confirmed cases are coming.

This is "the tip of the iceberg," he said.

Cuomo also repeated his call to federal lawmakers to fund state and local governments. He warned massive cuts could be in store for police, firefighters, schools and health care workers in New York should Washington not do so.

Cuomo delivered some positive news to Nassau County residents as well. After Laura Curran, the county executive, urged him to allow the return of elective surgeries, the governor announced Tuesday the county was now eligible for elective surgery and ambulatory care.

Cuomo also announced a new, two-week pilot program happening at 16 hospitals across the state that would allow for more visitations for family members and loved ones. Under the program, visits will be limited in time and visitors will be given personal protective equipment that they'll be required to wear. Furthermore, guests will be subject to symptom and temperature checks, Cuomo said.