Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday that the Mid-Hudson Region is on track to begin the re-opening process on Tuesday, May, 26, 2020.
The Mid-Hudson Region, which includes Orange County, is expected to identify enough contact tracers to meet the state’s guidelines. The contact tracer recruitment requirement is one of seven metrics required of a region to begin to re-open. People in the region are encouraged to apply to become contact tracers and application instructions can be found on the NYS Department of Health website at https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/get-involved-how-you-can-help.
The re-opening process will use a phased approach and Phase One affects industries such as construction, manufacturing, wholesale supply chains, retail with contact restrictions, agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Guidelines are available on the New York Forward website at www.forward.ny.gov. This website summarizes guidelines for businesses regarding social distancing, protective equipment, hygiene, cleaning, screening, and communication. Each business or entity must develop a written safety plan outlining how it will prevent the spread of COVID-19, ensure social distancing, demonstrate employee use of protective equipment, and regularly disinfect their premises. The NYS Department of Health offers a downloadable New York Forward Safety Plan Template. The checklist-style report does not need to be submitted to a state agency, but must be retained on the premises and made available in the event of an inspection by the NYS Department of Health or local health or safety authorities.
City of Newburgh government is working to help businesses re-open. The City of Newburgh website has been expanded to include a page outlining re-opening guidance. The page can be found at www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/reopeningguidelines. This includes links to business guidance and the downloadable reporting template. The page includes links and best practices for daily disinfecting of retail stores, houses of worship, food retail stores, and other types of businesses. The city website also links to community resources to help residents who are seeking government services and well as help with food access, mental health services and more. This page can be found at www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/coronavirus.
This weekend, Governor Cuomo confirmed 359,926 COVID-19 cases statewide. Of this total, 10,197 were identified in Orange County. Adherence to guidelines and best practices for prevention of the spread of COVID-19 will help our community recover safely and quickly. The disease is spread through person-to person contact and by coming into contact with infected surfaces. People should avoid social gatherings of any size and limit trips to only those that are essential. Practice social distancing by allowing 6 feet of space between you and other people. Wash hands often and avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and wear a face covering in all public places.