NY's Reopenings Advance As Coronavirus Subsides: Cuomo

NEW YORK, NEW YORK — New coronavirus cases across New York dipped to pre-shutdown levels, adding fuel to accelerating efforts to reopen New York City, Hudson Valley and Long Island next week, said Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo on Sunday reported there were 781 new positive cases of COVID-19 across the state. About 1 percent of all people tested had a positive result — the lowest level since March 16, just days before Cuomo put the state on "PAUSE."

"On those numbers we can advance the reopening," he said.

It's good news for Hudson Valley and Long Island, both of which are on track to enter the second phase of reopening on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, Cuomo said.

Phase two means residents can get haircuts, shop in retail stores and dine outdoors, among other long-awaited, once-daily indulgences. Restrictions on social distancing, 50 percent capacity requirements, and mandatory mask wearing will remain.

Cuomo also announced that graduations with up to 150 people can start June 26, provided the numbers continue and social distancing restrictions are followed.

New York City likewise is on track to enter phase one of reopening Monday, Cuomo said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio, during his own news conference Sunday, ticked off all the thresholds the city met in order to reopen — daily COVID-19 hospital admissions, ICU admissions and percentage of people citywide who tested positive for the new coronavirus.

New York City is below all of those thresholds, de Blasio said.

"Today's indicators and thresholds once again show the fruits of your labors," he said.

But Cuomo said health experts, as well as himself, are worried about how mass protests over the killing of George Floyd and police brutality will affect the numbers. It's too early to tell, so he again asked New Yorkers who attended protests to get tested.

Assume you have been exposed and are positive for the virus, he said.

"Act responsibly, get a test," he said.

There will be 15 new coronavirus test sites in New York City just for protesters, Cuomo said.

People can find out where to get tested here.