Low-Risk Entertainment: Hudson Valley Moves Into Phase 4

The Hudson Valley moves into phase 4 of New York's pandemic reopening plan on Tuesday.

In phase 4, social gatherings of up to 50 people will be allowed and indoor religious gatherings will be allowed at up to 33 percent of the indoor site's capacity. Also included are operations such as museums, historic sites and aquariums:

• Higher Education
• Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment
• Low-Risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment
• Media Production
• Professional Sports Competitions With No Fans

"Phased reopening is better than opening and closing," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo during a news briefing Monday. "Look at the states that reopened recklessly and are closing again. Who did that help? It's actually setting us back."

With almost everything reopened, local businesses and officials are working overtime to negotiate a path through the pandemic.

Greater Ossining Chamber of Commerce is starting a weekly online forum to address it. "Of the things that have changed, what's temporary versus permanent? Which of those changes are for better or for worse? Beginning July 8th and every Wednesday in July thereafter, we will host a half-hour webinar starting @ 11:00 a.m. Discussions will be led by one or more panelists. Local professionals can compare notes while sharing ideas of some tactics to consider. Participation is free."

Pearl River officials hope to hold their traditional July Fourth fireworks display in August, Orangetown Town Supervisor Teresa Kenny said in her weekly newsletter, "once we have moved deeper into Governor Cuomo's Phase 4 stage and social distancing regulations will (hopefully) be much more relaxed."

Meanwhile, more Hudson Valley commuters are expected to head into to New York City as it moves into phase 3 (indoor dining is still forbidden).

“We welcome back our returning customers,” said Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad. “Customers who haven’t ridden for a while will notice that we are now requiring customers to wear masks and we take that seriously. Markings on station platforms and at ticket booth lines to encourage social distancing and have added more service in anticipation of more riders coming back. I cannot thank the Metro-North workforce enough for all they have done and will continue to do.”

Cuomo categorized two threats against New York's ability to continue to reopen: the surging virus outbreak in 38 states and COVID fatigue — the fact that after 128 days everyone is worn out.

“As we enter into Phase Four, it is important to keep up with the safety precautions that have gotten us this far,” said Putnam County Health Commissioner Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD.

The outbreak continues to subside in New York, which on Sunday saw 1 percent of new coronavirus tests return positive.

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the Hudson Valley continues low.

Cuomo said New York will not hold its state fair this year. The popular event in Syracuse broke attendance records last year, with 1.3 million visitors.

No decision has been made about reopening k-12 schools, though officials in the state's 700 public school districts have been asked to submit their plans.