Re-Opening of New York’s Economy

The economy has been shut down for around six weeks now due to the extremely contagious COVID-19.  But Governor Cuomo is in the process of implementing a plan to re-open the economy on a regional level. Easing restrictions will be undertaken based on data taking into consideration the number of hospitalizations, confirmed cases of the virus and other related factors.

Cuomo pointed how regions look very different even within the state, specifically mentioning the divergences between New York City, Central New York and North Country.  Other areas will be monitored by governors there such as Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (Western New York and Buffalo) and Lt. Gov. Bob Duffy (Rochester and Finger Lakes).

In addition, New York State is increasing testing to health care workers, essential employees and first responders.  The goal is to reach 40,000 people each day.  In addition, in the near future independent pharmacies should be able to conduct diagnostic testing resulting in a network of 5,000+ pharmacies with this capacity.

It is likely that many measures will gradually be put in place to get the economy going again but that it will take a long time.  Some examples include: staggered schedules at work; less people per square footage of office space and temperature taking before entering the building.  Those who can work from home may continue to do so at least for the foreseeable future.