Phase Two of NY business reopenings calls for COVID-19 health and safety plan

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced a second phase of industries can start preparing to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the process, the state released detailed guidance and a safety plan template for each affected industry. If your region has satisfied, or is close to satisfying, the metrics for proceeding to the second phase, you should begin assembling your individualized reopening plan now.

Covered businesses

Businesses eligible to reopen during Phase Two include (1) offices, (2) real estate, (3) essential and Phase Two in-store retail, (4) vehicle sales, leases, and rentals, (5) retail rental, repair, and cleaning, (6) commercial building management, and (7) hair salons and barbershops.

As of May 29, 2020, the following regions were permitted to proceed with Phase Two of the reopening process: Finger Lakes, North Country, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and Central New York. Western New York was expected to reopen for Phase Two businesses on June 2, with the Capital Region likely to follow on June 3. The governor has projected New York City may finally reach Phase One reopening status as soon as June 8.